"1ATIC WOniCS OF ROBERT MARSH 



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Secon6 
in Command 

A COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS 

BY 

ROBERT MARSHALL 



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SECOND IN COMMAND 



THE PLAYS OF ROBERT MARSHALL 

SHADES OF NIGHT. 6d. 

A WIRE ENTANGLEMENT. 6d. 

THE DUKE OF KILLIECRANKIE. U. Qd. 

A ROYAL FAMILY. Is. ed. 

THE SECOND IN COMMAND. Is. ed. 

THE TYRANNY OF TEARS. 



SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd., 

26, Southampton Street, 
Strand, London. 

All Captain Robert Marshall's other plays may be obtained 
n MS. form from Messrs. Samuel French, Ltd. 



SECOND 
IN COMMAN 



A COMEDY IN FOUR 
ACTS 



By 



ROBERT MARSHALL 



Copyright, igro, by Samuel French, Limited 



New York I London 

SAMUEL FRENCH j SAMUEL FRENCH Ltd 

Publisher | 26 Southampton Street 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET i STRAND 



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OLD 22844 



THE SECOND IN COMMAND 

Produced on Tuesday, November 27, 1900, at the Hay- 
market Theatre, London, with the following cast : — 



Colonel Anstru- ' 




r 


THER, D.S.O. 




Mr. Alan Aynesworth. 


Major Bingham 




Mr. Cyril Maude. 


Sir Walter Man- 






NERiNO (Lieut.) 




Mr. Herbert Sleath. 


Peter Barker 




Mr. G. M. Graham. 


Medenham (Mess 


10th 




Waiter) 


Dragoon \ 
Guards 


Mr. G. Hugh Oughterson. 


H artopp ( Colonel ' s 




Servant) 




Mr. George Trollope. 


Corporal 




Mr. Alec Hunt 


Orderly 




Mr. H. Royle. 


Sergeant 




Mr. Dale. 


Adjutant (no part) 




Mr. Sydney Hamilton. 
^Mr. Rutherford. 


Subaltern (no part) 




HiLDEBRAND CaRSTAII 


19 . . . 


Mr. Vane-Tempest. 


Mr. Fen wick . 




Mr. Clarence Blakiston. 


Duke of Hull 




Mr. Wilfrid Forster 


Lady Harburgh . 




Miss Fanny Coleman. 


Muriel Mannering 




Miss Sybil Carlisle. 


NORAH ViNING. 




Miss Muriel Beaumont. 


Two ^ 


LD.C.'s. Sc 


)LDIERS. 



ACT I 

The Ante-boom of the Officers' Mess, 10th Dragoon 
Guards, Lowchester, 

It is Z p.m. on a sunny day in August. 



ACT II 

Colonel Anstruther's Quarters. 
After dinner. 

ACT III 

The same Scene as Act 1, but Dismantled. 

ACT IV 
Trafalgar Cottage, Portsmouth. 
A year has elapsed. 



All applications for the right to perfoim this play — \ 

both by amateur and professional companies— must 
be addressed to the sole agents : — ; 

Messrs. SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd., 
26, Southampton Street, 

Strand, London. 

The Amateur Fee of Five Guineas each and every ] 

representation must be paid prior to performance, ■ 

and a written authority obtained. 1 

All the uniforms and wigs used in the playing 
of The Second in Command may be hired reasonably | 

from laessrs. C. H. Fox, Ltd., 27, Welhngton Street, j 

Strand, London. The scenery may also be arranged i 

through this firnpcl 



PROPERTIES 



ACT I 



Pink 'Un, Punch, and newspapers on paper table on left. 

Salver on paper table on left. 

Glass on mantelpiece on left, also glass on sideboard on right. 

Letters in rack on cabinet on right. 

Cigars and cigarettes in cabinet on right. 

Brandy and soda and glasses off stage on right. 

Whisky and soda and glasses off stage on right. 

Trouser cUps for Hildebrand. 

Official papers (blue) for signature, off stage on right, 
ready for Orderly Officer. 

Electric bell right of fireplace. 

Writing table with notepaper, pens, blotter, etc. 

Medenham on right (off stage) with tea tray containing tea- 
pot, cups and saucers, sugar, and milk jug. 

Medenham's second entry on r. with jug hot water on salver. 

Hartopp on r. with cake stand. 

Newspapers off' stage. 

Photo album at table left. 

Imitation hoofs and bits. 

Imitation trotting^. 





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THE SECOND IN COMMAND 

ACT I. 

Scene. — The ante-room of the Officers'' Mess lOth 
Dragoon Guards, at Lowchester. 

It is 3 p.m. on a sunny day in August. 

(Music to take up curtain. As curtain rises, dis- 
covered Major Bingham sprawling on couch r., 
holding a copy of the " Pink ^TJn " in his hand and 
smoking a cigar — his eyes closed. Two Officers 
are in window up c. smoking, one in wiyidow is 
filing story to one in room, ivho is on the r. of window, 
who laughs, smacks his leg with cane, and moves to 
L. of window. Barker is asleep in armchair before 
fire. His legs on the fire squat, newspaper in his 
hand. Medenham is at table down L.,Ae pinks up 
salver — goes to fire, gets glass off shelf —goes up R. c. 
as Barker speaks, he stops surprised, then gets glass 
from up R. and exit down R.) 

N.B. — All Officers are in cavalry undress uniform 
and wear white gloves and carry canes ; Barker in 



12 SECOND IN COMMAND [Act I. 

addition wears a sword and belt, which signifies that 
he is an Orderly Officer.) 

Barker, (stretching himself) What ho ! Binks) 
(looking over to R.) 

(Medenham looks surprised at Barker and exits r . 

Binks ! I say, what ho ! 

(The two Officers exeunt c. to r. and are seen passing 
window r.) 

Bingham, {sits up) Who's that caUing Binks ? 

Barker. It's I, Barker. 

Bingham. Oh, is it ? Then I'll trouble you not 
to do it again. I don't know what the devil th« 
army's coming to. You — a newly -joined subaltern 
fresh from the nursery — dare to address me — a 
Major in your own regiment — as " Binks " ? What 
the deuce d'you mean, sir ? 

Barker. I'm awfully sorry. Major, I didn't 
think you'd mind. As for " newly joined." you 
forget that I've got^fifteen months' service. 

Bingham. Fifteen months, ye gods ! And I've 
served fifteen years. 

Barker. You don't look it, sir. 

Bingham. What's that ? You mean to tell me — 
eh ? Well, no — I suppose I do look rather young. 

Barker. Anyhow, sir, I never meant to be 
famihar. But the other night you asked me to 
call you Binks. 

Bingham. Did I ; when ? 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 13 

Barker. The night I saw you to your quarters. 
The night I took your boots oJff. 

Bingham. I don't remember that. 

Barker. No, sir. 

Bingham. No. The art of forgetting is the basis 
of diplomacy, and any reference to midnight adven- 
tures with a field officer's boots is indiscreet. 

Barker, [advances) Well, sir, I never meant 

Bingham. It's all right, old boy ! You're a good 
little chap and I'm very fond of you. 

Barker. And we're all devoted to you, sir. In 
fact, we all wish that you had got command of the 
regiment instead of Anstruther. 

Bingham. That may be, my boy, but you oughtn't 
to say so. It's your business and mine to be loyal 
to our chief. 

Barker, {takes up his cap from chair l. c.) Well, 
he's a bit of a martinet, anyhow. D'ye know he 
makes the orderly officer inspect the picquet at night 
and collect the reports at watch sitting ? {puts 
cap on) 

Bingham. And do you young devils a lot of 
good. Besides, Anstruther's a splendid fellow — 
D.S.O. and all that sort of thing. He's an old Eton 
and Sandhurst pal of mine, and I know him. Of 
course I should have liked the command, but — 
well — there you are ! 

Barker, {goes to table l.) Poor old Binks ! 

Bingham, {turns to him) Did I hear you say 
'* Binks " again ? 



14 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

Barker. Not I, Major ! Good heavens, no, sir ! 

Bingham, {reclines) Right ! I thought you did. 
No, I'll never get command of the regiment. They'll 
pass me over every time. 

Barker, {comes up l.) But why, Major ? {sits 
on arm of chair l. c.) 

Bingham. The War Office knows me. They've 
watched me on parade. They've seen me tie up the 
regiment into the most awful knots. Shocking, I 
assure you ! Once I had command of a brigade at 
the manoeuvres. 

Barker. And what happened ? 

Bingham. I marched two regiments along a 
wrong road and we were lost for eight hours. It 
concluded operations for the day. It's not a thing 
to laugh at, you know. 

(Barker laughs and goes up into ivindow r.) 

Besides, I was a very junior Major then, and 
couldn't be expected to know very much. But 
anyhow, my dear boy, a failure as I may be in a 
mihtary sense, I'm not a bounder. 

Barker. No, and that's such a comfort for the 
ratepayers. 

Bingham, {sits up) Yes, they hke the genus 
" gentleman." His existence is one of the super- 
stitions of the working classes. 

Barker, {looks up r.) Hallo, there's Mannering, 
back from the Riviera. 

Bingham. Where's he been ? 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 15 

Barker. Nice, he said ; but I'll bet he went to 
Monte Carlo. He's a born gambler. 

Bingham, (rises) Ordered back, I suppose ? 
[goes to fireplace, takes ''Pink 'Un'') 

Barker, (comes down r. a little) Yes, active 
service being in the air, the Colonel wired him to 
return at once, (gets cigarette case from sideboard R.) 

Bingham. And you think the young scamp has 
been at the tables, eh ? Ton my soul, it's too bad 
of him. Look at that dear sister of his. (flicks cigar 
ash into fire) 

Barker, (sits on hack of couch) What ? Muriel ? 

Bingham, (turns) Eh ? 

Barker, (slightly abashed) Muriel — Muriel Man- 
nering. 

Bingham. So you use the Christian name of 
ladies, do you, and in the mess too ? Now look 
here, young Barker, I'm very fond of you, and you're 
a good little chap, but I will not stand your speaking 
of Miss Mannering as " Muriel." And I've a reason — 

(Barker comes to hack of armchair l. c.) 

a very special reason. I give it you in absolute 
confidence. 

(Barker leans on chair hack.) 
For the past two years, annually, I have asked 
Miss Mannering to marry me. 

(Barker stej)s hack, surprised.) 
I admit that so far the result has been an annual 
repulse. But under the circumstances, if your 



16 SECOND TN COMMAND. [Act I. 

society small talk must include reference to that 
lady, you will be good enough to use the prefix '* Miss." 
{goes down to table l., places cane and gloves down) 

Barker. Vm awfully sorry, Major ! And I 
wish you every success. 

Bingham, {takes up " Punch,'' puts " Pink ^Un,'' 
down) It's no good. I've no luck. All my life I've 
blazed away cartridges, but I can't ring the bells or 
win the nuts. She'd never accept me. It would 
be absurd if she did. I know tjiat. 

Barker. Yes, sir, but she needn't, {seeing his 
mistake, goes up c.) 

Bingham. What the dev — shut up ! Here's her 
brother, {up to fire) 

{Enter through window Lieut. Sir Walter 
Mannering.) 

Barker. What ho, Manners ! 

Mannering. Hallo, Tins ! Good-morning, Major 
{salutes) 

Bingham. Good-morning. Back to the army 
again, eh ? 

Mannering, Yes, for as long as they'll have me. 
And that — if I'm any judge of these — {holding out 
letters) won't be long. 

Barker. Bills, eh ? {crosses to r., lights cigarette) 

Mannering. Worse ! Writs — County Court sum- 
mons. You know ! 

Bingham. I know 'em ! Faultless documents 
from the point of view of grammar, but as contri- 



Act I.] SECOND JN COMMAND. 17 

butions to literature neither mellifluous in phrase 
nor altruistic in tone. And their moral is so hack- 
neyed, {lays " Punch " on squat R.) I always 
think the proper cemetery for such documents as 
those is the waste-paper basket, (laughs) Here 
you are. {handing ivaste-paper basket to Mannering. 
What are you doing in uniform ? 

Mannering. {sits r., places cane and gloves on 
couch R.) I had to report myself at the orderly 
room on arrival. 

Bingham. And how's your sister ? 

Mannering. I can't tell you that, sir. I only 
got back half an hour ago. Haven't you seen her ? 

Bingham. Oh yes, every day lately. 

Mannering. Then, my dear Major, why ask me ? 
_ Bingham. Well — the topic sprang up— that's 
all. 

{Enter Medenham.) 

Mannering. Get me a brandy and soda. 

Medenham. A large one, sir ? 

Mannering. Yes, a large brandy and a small 
soda. 

(Medenham is going.) 

The old brandy. 

Barker. And bring the cigarettes. 
Medenham. Yes, sir. 

{Exit R.) 

Bingham. Now look here, Mannering, you're a 



18 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

good chap, and I'm very fond of you, but I won't 
have you drinking brandy at three o'clock in the day. 

Barker. Ye.s, I call it rot. 

Bingham. Oh, you do, do you ? Well, I've told 
you that you're a good Httle chap and that I'm very 
fond of you, but don't interfere. 

Barker. Sorry, sir. 

Mannering. It's all right, Major. I want a 
bit of bucking up. I've had the most appalhng luck 
that any man could not knock against. You see, I 
drifted ta Monte Carlo. 

Bingham. Aha, I said so. I knew you would. 
Didn't I, Barker ? 

Barker. Yes, Major. 

Bingham. An odd sort of drifting. Sixty miles 
an hour in the train-de-luxe. 

{Enter Medenham with tray.) 

(as Medenham iS about to pour out soda) That's 
not for Sir Walter, waiter. 

Medenham. No, sir ? 

Bingham. No, he ordered it for me. 

Medenham. Yes, sir. {comes to up l. c, hands 
drink to Major, then cigarettes to Barker.) 

Bingham. Thank you. {to Mannering) Chin, 
chin ! {drinks) 

{Exit Medenham behind couch doivn r.) 

Mannering. I say. Major, why did you do that ? 

Bingham. For two reasons. You're young and 

the brandy's old. {drinks) And you know the 



ActT.] SECOXD in command. 19 

result of putting old wine into young bottles, {drinks) 
Now tell me what took you to Monte Carlo at this 
time of the year ? It must have been empty, {places 
glass on mantelshelf, sits on squat) 

Mannering. Yes, only two tables going. And 
the emptiness of the place was horribly infectious. 
My pockets got the disease badly. 

Barker. What, broke ? 

Mannering. Yes, I'll have to send in my papers. 
They'll never let me go out to South Africa with 
the regiment. I couldn't get out of the country. 

Bingham, (comes down l. with " Punch ") My 
dear boy, is it really as bad as that ? [sits in low 
chair) 

Mannering. Yes, I'm afraid it is. I've one 
chance left. You — you know Fenwick, the solicitor 
in the town ? 

Bingham. I know. He's dined here once or 
twice, hasn't he ? 

Mannering. Yes, he's not a bad sort, and I 
believe does a little money-lending on the quiet. 
I fancy he's a Jew. 

Bingham. Oh, no ! His father was, but he's, 
chucked it. 

{All laugh.) 

Mannering. I've asked him to look me up to- 
day, and if he can't help me — well — I'm done for. 
Barker. My dear old fellow, I — I am sorry. 
Mannering. It's all right, Tins. I deserve it. 



20 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act T. 

But T swear I'll get out to South Africa someKow, 
if I have to send in my papers and enlist in another 
regiment. 

Bingham. Yes, that sounds very fine and heroic. 
At your age I used to say the same. And yet when 
the dinner call goes, you'll always find me near the 
flesh pots. Besides, what about your people ? 

Mannering. People ? I haven't got any. At 
least, only my sister — Muriel. 

Bingham. Good heavens ! Isn't she enough ? 
And one day she'll marry and then you'll have a 
brother-in-law to considei'. And I'd expect a good 
deal 

Mannering. You would ? 

Bingham. No, he would. What the devil are 
you talking about ? 

Mannering. Well, my dear Major, you 

(Enter Colonel Anstruther. All stand and salute.) 
Anstruther. No, please don't get up. (to- Man- 
nering) So you're back, Mannering ? 

(Barker sits again.) 

Mannering. Yes, sir. 
(Bingham goes up l., puts " Punch " down.) 

Anstruther. I was sorry to recall you so sud- 
denly. 

Mannering. I knew it couldn't be helped, sir. 

Anstruther. By the way, I've had a note from 
Lady Harburgh. She wants to bring your sister 
and Miss Vining to barracks to-day to see the tent- 



Act I] SECOND IN COMMAND. 21 

pegging, and I've said we'll be delighted : I asked 
them to come here to the mess, so that we can give 
them tea. I suppose nobody objects ? 

Bingham No one, Colonel \ 

a7id - {together) 

Barker. Pleasure, sir. ' 

Anstruther. Th3n, Bark3r, Hke a good fellow, 
just let the mess sergeant know, will you ? 

Barker, (rises) Certainly, sir. [takes cane and 
gloves from table up l. c.) 

(Exit up R.) 

Anstruther. And, Mannering, ' you'll present 
me to your sister, won't you ? We've never met, 
and she ought to know your new Colonel, eh ? 

Mannering. Of course, sir. I'll change at once, 
and keep a look-out for them. 

(Exit Mannering.) 

Anstruther. {places letter on mantelshelf up l.) 
Nice lot of lads, these subalterns. I've only been 
in the regiment a fortnight, but I hke the cut of them. 

Bingham. Yes, they're good boys, {takes up 
cane and gloves) 

Anstruther. Gad, Kit ! To be that age again ! 

Bingham, {crosses in front to r.) Ah, there you 
are ! The golden age when Cupid is the servile 
valet of the young. Now that our hair is touched 
with grey, he's become an impertinent lackey, always 
giving notice, (sits on centre of couch r.) 



22 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act F, 

Anstruther. (comes r.) Kit — I— I always 
wanted to speak to you about my being brought in 
and given command of the regiment over your head. 
You've forgiven me that, haven't you ? (slaps 
Bingham on hack and sits on l. end of sofa) 

Bingham. Why, of course T have ! Surely we're 
old enough chums for that to be understood. Be- 
sides, you're a smart soldier with a reputation, and 
I'm a duffer without one. Even the War Office has 
unaccountable fits of observation. 

Anstruther. I don't know why, but since I've 
come here you've seemed down on your luck. 

Bingham. Well — I am, more or less. I'm in love. 

Anstruther. In love, Kit ? 

Bingham. Yes, third year. Awful, isn't it ? 

Anstruther. And who is the lucky girl? 

Bingham. She's a girl that won't look her luck 
in the face. That's the trouble, (leans back) 

Anstruther. A trouble I've never had to tackle. 
Isn't it odd, Kit ? Of course I've sown my wild oats, 
but love — real love — has never touched me. It's 
the great gap of my life. 

Bingham. My gap is all the other way. She 
knows that. But fill it up for me. Oh, dear no ! I 
know of no more selfish creature than a girl who isn't 
in love with — well — with a man who's in love with 
her. 

Anstruther. Still, you know, it's better to have 
loved and lost 

Bingham, (sits up) Ah, but is it ? Remember 



Acrl.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 2? 

that was said by a poet. He was catering for his 
own class. A poet wants everything vaguely, but 
he shies at anything definite, except royalties. Now 
that's no good for a full-blooded soldier, (leans 
back) If I'm nothing else I'm that. 

Anstruther. You'll always be the same. Kit, 
always the best of sorts, {slaps Bingham on back, 
then goes up to card rack up l.) 

Bingham. Best of sorts ; yes, isn't it your exper- 
ience that " awful good sorts " never come to 
anything ? 

Anstruther. Some day your luck will turn. 
{takes up newspaper) 

Bingham, {leans forward) I wonder ! (rises) 
One never knows, perhaps it may. {conies to fire) 
If by any chance it does turn, Miles, will you do me a 
favour ? 

Anstruther. Yes, of course. 

Bingham. Then, in the event of any misguided 
young woman deluding herself into the belief that I 
am an eligible person, you won't mind being my best 
man, will you ? (tilts at back of armchair with his 
cane and laughs shyly) 

Anstruther. I'll be delighted, Kit. (up to fire) 

Bingham. Thanks ! That's always something. 
{going up r. c.) You get a tie-pin or a cigarette case, 
I believe. The sort of things one always loses. It's 
just as well to have things cut and dried. 

(HiLDEBRAND Carstairs appears at the window R.) 



24 



SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act j 



HiLDEBRAND. May I come in, Major ? 

Bingham. Why — Carstairs ? Of course, come in. 
How are you ? 

HiLDEBRAND. Oil, I suppose I'm all right. Mother 
and the two girls are driving over. I hiked. 

Bingham, {going up r.) Then I'll be off to change. 
(stops — aside) By the way, you haven't met our new 
chief, have you ? 

HiLDEBRAND. No ! 

Bingham. Then I'll introduce you. Colonel, 
d'you know Mr. Carstairs, Lady Harburgh's son ? 
{stands at uindow up R., anxious to go) 

Anstruther. How d'you do, Mr. Carstairs ? 
{shakes hands) 

HiLDEBRAND. I think I'm all right, thanks. 
{sits on end of sofa R. c.) 

Anstruther. You'd better be off, Bingham. 
I'll look after Mr. Carstairs. 

Bingham. Thanks, Colonel. 

(Exit Major Bingham through window r.) 

Anstruther. Your mother, I beUeve, has shown 
the regiment a great deal of hospitality. 

HiLDEBRAND. (taking off clip from trousers) Yes, 
she wants to get the girls married. 

Anstruther. (laughs quietly) Oh, that's it, is 
it ? (goes to fire) 

HiLDEBRAND. D'you know, I seem to have seen 
you before, somewhere. 

Anstruther. That's quite possible. 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 25 

HiLDEBRAND. {comes to L. c.) Oh, now I remem- 
ber ! Wasn't your portrait in last year's Academy, 
with lots of medals and the D.S.O. {sits on arm of 
chair l. c.) 

Anstruther. You're quite right. 

HiLDEBRAND. It was Called " Portrait of an 
Officer." Why didn't they give your name in the 
catalogue ? 

Anstruther. Well— I'd just been decorated, 
and I didn't want to advertise. I know it's the thing 
to do nowadays. I mean the sending of premature 
and, if possible, humorous telegrams about one- 
self from the seat of war ; but I'm rather a Conser- 
vative, and I told the artist to keep my identity out 
of the catalogue. 

HiLDEBRAND. What an odd idea. I'd have my, 
name all over the place. 

Anstruther. At your age, perhaps. Tell me, 
are you going in for the army ? 

HiLDEBRAND. In a sense I am. I've failed three 
times. I shall probably end in the diplomatic 
service. 

Anstruther. That's not an easy business. 

HiLDEBRAND. Isn't it ? Well then, I'll have a 
shot at the Cape Mounted Police. It's a matter of 
indifference to me. 

Anstruther And to them, I imagine. 

HiLDEBRAND. Possibly ! I really don't know. 

Anstruther. You might try Parliament. It's 
one of the paradoxes of our glorious constitution 



26 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act T. 

that Parliament being the supreme department of 
government, no intellectual test is necessary iov 
membership. 

HiLDEBRAND. I thought of going on the stage, 
only it seems hardly fair to let one's social status 
snatch the bread and butter from the mouths of 
our great actors. 

{Sounds of Men marchwg heard off r.) 

Anstruther. I don't imagine the " great actor " 
would resent your competing. 

HiLDEBRAND. One never knows. They're so 
awfully sensitive — in public. 

(Orderly appears at windotv with papers, up R.) 

Anstruther. Well, what is it ? 

Orderly. Papers for your signature, sir. 

Anstruther. Ah, just take them through to the 
office. 

Voice, (off r.) Left, left, left, right, etc. 

Anstruther. You'll excuse me, Mr. Carstairs, 
won't you ? Order anything you wish. There's 
the bell, {goes into window c.) 

HiLDEBRAND. Thauks awfully. 

Anstruther. {looks off to r.) Now then. Ser- 
geant, look at those men all over the place. 

Voice, (off) Squad, Halt! 

{Marching ceases.) 
HiLDEBRAND. (up R. c.) Squad, Halt ! That's 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 27 

the sort of thing that makes one long to be a soldier ; 
I don't know what it means, but it sounds impressive. 

{Exit Anstruther l.) 
{An Officer crosses from l. to r.) 

HiLDEBRAND. {comes L. c.) Yes, I think a libation 
to the gods, {rings bell) so long as mother doesn't 
turn up inconveniently. The only girl I care {sits 
on squat) for has been upsetting me again. Norah 
won't take me seriously. 

{Enter Medenham, r.) 

May I have a whisky and soda, please, and a strong 
cigar ? 

Medenham. Yes, sir. 

{Exit R.) 

HiLDEBRAND. I wonder if I could get into the 
Royal Irish Constabulary. 

{Sound of laughter.) 

Oh, Lord, here they are. 

{Enter Lady Har burgh, Norah Vining, follotved by 
Muriel Mannering.) 

Lady Harburgh. Oh, here you are. 

Norah. Oh, actually here's Hildebrand. 

Lady Harburgh. Understand me clearly, Norah, 
I will not have you kissing your hand, as you did to 
a group of young subalterns. We don't do that 
sort of thing in England. 



28 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I 

Nor AH. No, aunt, it would have no effect if you 
did. 

HiLDEBRAND. Besides, you're supposed to be 
engaged to me, in a half and half sort of way, isn't 
she, mother ? 

Lady Harburgh. To a certain extent, experi- 
mentally, {sits couch R. c.) 

(HiLDEBRAND gocs up L., talks ivith Muriel.) 

Norah. What a happy girl I ought to be. {sits 
on back of couch r.) 

Lady Harburgh. You have no sense of your 
obligations. Merely because my poor sister married 
your father 

Norah. Remember — my father had a tempar and 
I inherit it. 

Lady Harburgh. It was in the hope of eradi- 
cating that failing that you were sent to Paris to be 
" finished." 

Norah. Finished — morally ? 

Lady Harburgh. Er— partly. 

Norah. Then they haven't succeeded^! feel as 
if I'd only just begun. 

Lady Harburgh. So I begin to fear. But I am 
a Maclachlan of the Hebrides and given to plain 
speaking. And I shall insist on decorous behaviour 
on your part. English cavalry barracks are not 
like Paris on a public holiday. 

(HiLDEBRAND stauds looking into fire, Muriel looks 
off c.) 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 29^ 

NoRAH. Oh, Mon Dieu ! As if I didn't know 
that! 

Lady Harburgh. There again, I forbid you to 
use that expression. Translated into English it is 
reserved exclusively for intoxicated members of the 
lower classes. 

{Enter Medenham r. with tray, large glass, whisky 
and soda, box of cigars.) 

Medenham. {going to Hildebrand) Whisky and 
soda, sir. 

Hildebrand. {turns) For me ? Oh dear me, 
not for me. {step down to l.) 

Medenham. You ordered it, sir. 

Hildebrand. Not I ! 

Lady Harburgh. Take it, Hildebrand. 

{He does so sheepishly.) 

Medenham. Strong cigar, sir. 
Hildebrand. No, thank you, not for me. 
Medenham. You ordered it, sir. 
Hildebrand. No, not I ! 

Lady Harburgh. Take it, Hildebrand. {he does 
so) 

(Exit Medenham in front of couch down r. Milde- 
brand about to drink.) 

Now, how dare you ? 

Hildebrand. I — I haven't been feeling very- 
strong lately — I {yoing to drink) 

Lady Harburgh. Pour it into the coal scuttle. 



30 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

HiLDEBRAND. But, my dear mother — really 

{about to drink) 
Lady HARBURan. Do as I bid you ! 

{He goes to scuttle up l. opefis it — turns and looks at 
Lady Harburgh, ivho stands waiting. He empties 
glass into scuttle.) 

Now give me the cigar. 

{He gives it.) 

Never forget that I am a Maclachlan of the Hebrides. 
And now, what do you mean by this clandestine 
dissipation ? 

HiLDEBRAND. If I'm being driven to excess, it's 
Norah. And, little as she knows it, it's an exceedingly 
easy road to travel, especially in hot weather. 

Norah. Billy, how dare you ? 

HiLDEBRAND. I ask you, are we engaged or are 
we not ? 

Norah. Only as a sort of trial trip. 

HiLDEBRAND. Then why does she want to come 
here to barracks instead of biking with me ? 

Norah. Because I get such a lot of you at home. 
It's like having mutton every day for weeks, without 
even pickles. 

HiLDEBRAND. No. It's becausc you want to 
make sheep's eyes at Barker. 

Norah. I don't make sheep's eyes. 

HiLDEBRAND. YcS, yOU do. 

Norah. I haven't got sheep's eyes. 
HiLDEBRAND. I didn't say you had. 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 31 

NoRAH. You only said that because I said you 
were like mutton. 

HiLDEBRAND. Ycs, you have when — when Bar- 
ker's about. 

Both. You have — I haven't. 

{Exeunt both R., heard off arguing.) 

Lady Harburgh. {crosses to r.) Silence, both 
of you ! A most trying couple. Hildebrand tells 
me that your brother, Walter, is back from the 
Riviera, {sits on couch r.) 

Muriel, {comes down l. c.) Yes, we'll see him 
to-day. 

Lady Harburgh. I can't imagine how he can 
aiiord trips of that sort. He has barely enough to 
live on in the regiment. And then, Muriel, it's my 
duty to tell you that I really cannot be expected to 
provide you with a home for ever. Your mother 
was a very dear friend, and for her sake I took you 
in. I was glad to have you as a companion for 
Norah. But that was two years ago, and really, 
dear, I did look to your getting married long before 
this. 

Muriel. I'm very, very sorry. Lady Harburgh. 
If there is any place I could go to, or any employ 
ment {sits on chair down l. c.) 

Lady Harburgh. My dear girl, you have a pro- 
fession already ; and that is to marry. I've given 
you every opportunity. You had the season in 
town. My house has been Liberty Hall to the entire 



32 8EC0ND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

garrison. It absolutely reeks of pipeclay and echoes 
with the clank of spurs. Yet what is the result ? 
Muriel. None ! 

Lady Harburgh. Exactly — none. Well, Muriel, 
I really must ask you to make an effort. There's 
Major Bingham. Everybody says he's devoted to 
you. 

Muriel. Yes, I think he is. 

Lady Harburgh. Then you must give him his 
opportunity. Love, especially slightly middle-aged 
love, must be nurtured gently but inexorably. 

Muriel. It isn't that. He has already asked me 
to marry him. 

Lady Harburgh. What ? 

Muriel. Yes, twice. 

Lady Harburgh. And you refused ? 

Muriel. Yes. 

Lady Harburgh. Then I call it positively im- 
provident of you, almost improper. He's just the 
man to secure in case of a rainy day. 

Muriel. I couldn't. Lady Harburgh. I know 
what a dear delightful soul he is — but — well — I don't 
love him. 

Lady Harburgh. My dear Muriel, love is a 
luxury that only the moderately rich or extremely 
poor can properly indulge in. And now — all of a 
sudden — I learn from your own lips that you might 
have married some months ago. I'm not a rich 
woman, Muriel, and I do think you might have spared 
me these months of unnecessary expense. 



ActL] second in command. 33 

'( Muriel. Expense ? But surely you receive an 
annual sum of money on my behalf ? 

Lady Harburgh. No, my dear. So it was 
arranged by the lawyers when your father died. 
But it soon appeared there was barely enough to 
keep Walter in the regiment. 

Muriel. And T was never told ! 

Lady Harburgh. I thought it better not to. 
I felt sure you would marry 

Muriel. You needn't say anything more, Lady 
Harburgh. I need scarcely tell you that I knew 
nothing of this. I'm very grateful, most grateful 
for all you've done, and I promise you that, whether 
Ijmarry or not, in a few weeks' time I shall relieve you 
of any further burden. 

Lady Harburgh. There is no immediate hurry, 
Muriel. 

Muriel. Yes, Lady Harburgh, in my heart 
there is — a feverish — desperate hurry. 

Lady Harburgh. I had no desire to wound you. 

Muriel. No, but I am wounded, most sorely 
wounded. I — I can't help it. 

(Enter up r. Major Bingham in mufti. Breeches ^ 
gaiters, cap.) 

Bingham, [cap in hand) So sorry. Lady Har- 
burgh. We didn't expect you quite so early. 

Lady Harburgh. It is the unexpected that 
happens, but only to the unprepared. A point that 
seems to have escaped our military authorities. 



34 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I . 

Bingham. Yes. That's very good, {goes to l.) 
How do you do, Miss Mannering ? 

Muriel. How do you do ? [going up l.) Is 
Walter in barracks ? 

Bingham. Yes, he'll be here in a moment, [going 
up c.) He's just gone- 

Lady Harburgh. (r. c.) Major Bingham ! 
Major — I want to 

Bingham, [comes down l. c.) Yes ? You want 
to speak to me ? 

Lady Harburgh. [both over l.) Charming, 
•charming girl, Muriel, [looks up b..) 

Bingham. She is indeed. In fact, telling her so 
is rather a hobby of mine. 

Lady Harburgh. She likes you. 

Bingham. Yes, lots of people Hke me ; the trouble 
is they never get any forrader. They all get swamped 
in a platonic bog. [goes l.) 

[Enter Sir Walter Mannering up r., in mufti.) 

Mannering. Well, Muriel ? Here I am, back 
again. 

(They kiss.) 

Muriel. Walter, dear ! 

Bingham, (goes up l. to Muriel) Your brother 
is looking very well after his trip ? 

Mannering. [down r. c.) How d'ye do. Lady 
Harburgh ? 

[They shake hands.) 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 35 

Lady Harburgh. Well, I haven't quite recovered 
from the effects of the season in town. Society is 
such a muddle of birth, brains, money and over 
eating, that it's really exhausting. I saw by the 
papers you'd gone to Nice. 

Mannering. Yes. Though what interest the 
papers find in that, I can't imagine. 

Lady Harburgh. No ! You see, nowadays only 
the very nicest people, quite the inner circle, contrive 
to keep out of the newspapers. 

(Lady Harburgh goes up extreme r. Bingham 
crosses to R. at back. They ineet.) 

Bingham. You drove over, eh. Lady Harburgh ? 

{They move up to c. chatting.) 

Muriel. And you enjoyed Nice, Walter ? 

{Both a little l. c.) 

Mannering. H'm ! Not altogether. 
Muriel. There's nothing wrong, is there ? 
Mannering. No, at least— well, it doesn't matter ! 
{7noves to r.) It's all in the day's work. 

{Horses heard trotting in distance.) 

Muriel. I wish you'd tell me, Walter. We seem 
so alone in the world, you and L 

Mannering. {comes to her) Dear old girl ! It's 
all right. Cheer up ! {patting her arms) Ah ! 
There go {up R. c.) the first lot to the field. 

Lady Harburgh. {goes into tvindow R.) Then 



^6 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act 1. 

take me there, Sir Walter, will you ? I've never 
seen pig-sticking. 
Bingham "j 

ayid r {together laughingly) Pig-sticking ! 

Mannering. j 

Lady Harburgh. No, no, I mean tent-pegging. 
{All latigh.) 
{Exit R.) 
{Trotting dies away.) 

Mannering. {going off r.) Pleasure ! Binkh^ 
you'll bring Muriel, won't you ? 

{Exit R.) 

Bingham. Yes, of course. Delighted ! {comes 
to R. c.) Miss Mannering {fidgets with his cap) 

(Muriel turfis to him.) 

If you can spare me a moment, I should much like 
to refer to a subject we have so far discussed annually. 

Muriel. Yes, I think I understand, {sits r. on 
couch) 

Bingham. We are going on active service. 

Muriel. I know. 

Bingham. And sometimes — well, some of us 
don't come back. 

Muriel. Ah, don't. Major Bingham ! Let us 
look on the bright side of things while we may. 

Bingham. Yes, that's my own idea. But I 
doubt if I'm so highly polished as to have a bright 
side. 



Act!.] SECOND IN" COMMAND. 37 

Muriel. Of course I shall always follow your 
career — and Walter's with the greatest interest — 
indeed with more than that. When you are under- 
going hardships, I shall suffer with you ; when you 
win laurels, none will be prouder than I — for — for I 
know how good and loyal you are. 

Bingham. Loyal ? To the country ? 

Muriel. To everything that is good. 

Bingham. Thanks ! That's something. But here 
we are again in the same old platonic cul-de-sac. 

Muriel. You'll look after Walter, won't you ? 

Bingham. Yes, rather, as if he were my brother- 
(sits hy her) in-law. 

Muriel. Somehow I seem to have realized only 
to-day, how alone we are, Walter and I. 

Bingham. Ah, there you are. Well now — sup- 
pose you took me into partnership ? If I were there, 
you need never be alone. 

Muriel. No, that's just it. One might want to 
be, you know. 

Bingham. In that case, I could go away for a 
day or two. 

Muriel. I'm afraid that arrangement wouldn't 
mean happiness, either for you or for me. 

Bingham. Not happiness for me ! Why, Muriel 

(Muriel looks up.) 
There, forgive me, I whisper the name so often to 
myself that it will come to the lips — I should be a 
king ! 

(Muriel turns away to r.) 



38} SECOND IN COMMAND. TAct T. 

Ah ! If you'd only let me go away with some sort 
of hope, some little rift of sunshine, I should be a 
new man, and I believe even a better soldier. It 
would be patriotic of you — to love me just a little. 
Think for a moment what a service you would be 
rendering the nation, if, by loving me just a little, 
you made me a — second — Napoleon. 

Muriel. Napoleon's career ended with St. Helena. 

Bingham. Then let mine begin with St. Muriel. 

Muriel. But — if I can't offer you more than 
friendship 

Bingham, (leans back, twirls moustache) I know 
what you mean. You can't offer me more than the 
sort of cheap affection one might buy ready made 
at the Stores, using somebody else's ticket. 

Muriel. You don't wish me to come to you 
and — [eynharrassed) you must help me — I can't 
say it. 

Bingham, [leans forward) And be my wife ? 

Muriel. Yes — not loving you. 

Bingham I'm not at all sure I don't. But 
Muriel, you don't — you can't mean that you would ? 

Muriel. If, knowing how little I could be to you, 
you still wish it — yes. 

Bingham. Muriel — you don't really — you can't 
possibly 

Muriel. Indeed, yes, I do. 

Bingham, [takes her hand) Muriel — my darling 
— is it true ? No, no, it can't be. You can't realize 
what you're saying. As a soldier you know, I don't 



Act I.] 1^ SECOND IN COMMAND. ^39 

shine — at least not brilliantly. You didn't know 
that, did you ? 

Muriel. I only know that you're a dear kind 
soul, and if you believe that I can make you happy 

Bingham. Happy ! 

Muriel. I am wilhng to try. 

Bingham. Happy ! There isn't a man in the 
world that I'd change with now — there isn't, {stomps 
suddenly) Did you {turns aivay and twirls moustache) 
know I was passed over for command of the regi- 
ment ? 

Muriel. Yes, I heard of it. 

Bingham. I don't wish to convey the idea that 
I'm an embryo Wellington. 

Muriel. I know you don't. 

Bingham. In fact, it's just on the cards that I'm 
not. By the way, merely as a formal inquiry, there's 
no one else you have ever — ever loved, is there ? 

Muriel. No one, except 

Bingham. Except — good heavens— well ? [ire- 
leases her hand) 

Muriel. A picture. 

Bingham. A picture ! Oh, we'll pass that. 

Muriel. I'll be absolutely frank with you. It 
was the portrait of a man in last year's Academy. 
The moment I saw it, the face attracted me, and 1 
went back to the Galleries many times only to look 
at it. It was a foohsh idea, of course, but p.omehow 
we seemed gradually to know each other. 

Bingham. It wasn't a hving picture, by any 
chance ? 



40 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

Muriel. No, only canvas and paint. But it 
spoke to me and I to it. I imagined I had drifted 
into love. At last, at Hurlingham, I suddenly found 
myself face to face with him. 

Bingham. Oh ! Did you ? 

Muriel. Yes. It was only for a second, and 
then he was lost in the crowd. 

Bingham. And who was he ? 

Muriel, (leans hack on couch) I couldn't find 
out. " Portrait of an Officer " was all the catalogue 
said. 

Bingham, {leans back, takes her hayid) Ah, well, 
you won't want to turn up the catalogue now, darling. 
We've stepped into a new art gallery, and I'm the 
only masterpiece in it. [laughs shyly) But there — 
you m Tst think me horribly selfish in asking you 
to give up all other possible romances ? 

Muriel. Not more so than I am in coming to you- 

Bingham. Muriel — (shyly) you don't happen to 
know my Christian name, do you ? 

Muriel. Yes, of course, Christopher. 

Bingham, [shyly) Kit, for short. 

Muriel. Kit. 

Bingham. Ah ! How beautiful it sounds. And 
I used to think it ugly and familiar. Muriel^one — 
only one. 

Muriel, (rises) No, Kit, please. Not yet. 
(crosses to up c.) 

Bingham. No, of course not. Not yet. I always 
was a selfish brute. 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 41 

(Muriel offers her hand to Bingham ; he kisses it.) 

Muriel, [thoughtfully) For the present I think 
we'll tell only Walter. 

Bingham, (r. c.) Yes — er — but suppose he asks 
you if you really love me, what then ? 

Muriel. Then — (pause) — then, for both your 
sakes, I'll tell a snow white lie, that even angels 
would forgive, and say — " yes." {offers her hand) 

Bingham, (takes her hand) That is good of you. 
D'you know you'll meet my best man to-day. (leads 
her to down l.) 

Muriel. What ? 

Bingham. Yes, I arranged it all beforehand. 
There's no good being rushed at the last moment. 
There's somebody coming. 

(Muriel goes to r. Bingham up to fire.) 
(Enter Medenham, r.) 
Yes, I thought you'd enjoy the tent-pegging, (to 
Medenham) Have they begun yet ? 
Medenham. Yes, sir, it's half over, sir. 
Bingham. Is it really ? Then shall we go. Miss 
Mannering ? 

Muriel. Yes. Come along. 

(Enter Hartopp.) 
Bingham. I'm awfully glad you've been able to 
come. 

(Muriel exits. Bingham follows.) 

Medenham. I don't approve of females 'avin' 
the run o' the mess. 



42 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act T. 

Hartopp. Ye don't say so ! 

Medenham. Yes, I do. I'm a Socialist, I am. 

Hartopp. You mean a cove whose mind is too 
active to give his 'ands a chance. 

Medenham. Who's the civihan bloke crossin' 
the square ? 

Hartopp. I dunno. 

(Fen WICK appears at window r.) 

Fen WICK. Is Sir Walter Mannering in barracks ? 

Hartopp. Yes, sir. 'E's at the tent-pegging. 

Fenwick. Then will you let him know I'm here, 
please, {places hat and stick on seat between ivindows r. ) 

Hartopp. Yes, sir. What name shall I say ? 

Fenwick. Fenwick — Mr. Fenwick. {goes down 
R. c. and up l. c. to fire) 

Hartopp. Yes, sir. 

{Exit up R.) 

Medenham. Paper, sir. 

Fenwick. Thank you. {sits on squat) So 
you're off to South Africa shortly ? 

Medenham. Yes, sir. {goes a step to r.) 

Fenwick. I suppose you're all as keen as pos- 
sible ? 

Medenham. I believe so, sir. {gets to r.) 

Fenwick. It's a glorious opportunity. 

Medenham. Yes, sir, so the enemy seems to 
think, {at door r.) 

{Enter Mannering, r.) 



ActL] second in command. 43 

Mannering. Hallo, Fenwick, I thought 1 saw 
you crossing the barrack-square. 

Fenwick. Yes, your letter seemed to me urgent, 
so I came at once. 

Mannering. It's awfully good of you. Have a 
drink ? 

Fenwick. No, thanks. 

[Exit Medenham, r.) 
(Mannering goes doivn to r. Fenwick comes down 

L. c, sits in low chair; both ivatcJi Medenham off.) 
Well, what is it ? 

Mannering. It's the very devil, Fenwick. 
There's no good going into detail, but unless I can 
get £3,000 within a week, I'll have to leave the 
service. 

Fenwick. Three thousand. 

Mannering. {sits on couch r.) Yes, and I'll 
be done out of the show in South Africa. 

Fenwick. And you want to raise the money ? 

Mannering. Yes. 

Fenwick. What security can you give ? 

Mannering. None, absolutely none. I've lived 
on credit ever since I joined the regiment. 

Fenwick. Then I fear I see no way of helping 
you. I wish I did. 

Mannering. Yes, I'm sure you do. 

Fenwick. Can your relatives do nothing ? 

Mannering. No, nothing. They wouldn't if 
they could. The relatives of a poor man are peculiarly 
distant. 



44 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act li. 

Fen WICK. Ah, it's a bad business. And I see no 
way out of it, unless— but even then 

Mannering. Unless what ? 

Fenwick. Well, it's a difficult thing to suggest 
to you, but, {rises) look here, suppose — I only say 
" suppose " — your sister were going to marry a rich 
man — for example, like Colonel Anstruther 

Mannering. Why do you mention him ? 

Fenwick. Only, that in passing the Orderly 
Room, I saw the Colonel, and I know he's a very rich 
man. 

Mannering. And you mean to say that money 
could be raised on that, supposing it were possible ? 

Fenwick. I don't say it could, but it might, if 
he consented to — well, to countenance — any arrange- 
ment you and I might come to. 

Mannering. {rises, goes doum to r.) I see. But 
I haven't quite sunk to that sort of thing. And 
anyhow, there isn't the remotest chance of it. 

Fenwick. I can't tell you how sorry I am. 

Mannering. That's all right, Fenwick. It can't 
be helped, {half aside) The bill for my folly has 
to come in. D'you care to have a look at the tent- 
pegging ? 

Fenwick. Thanks — may I ? {looks at his ivatch) 

Mannering. You'll find them all in the long 
field, {comes to up c.) 

Fenwick. {goes up, gets hat, etc.) You won't do 
anything rash, will you ? 

Mannering. No, no ! 



Act I.] SECOND TN COMMAND. 46 

{Exit Fenwick off up r.) 
At least I hope not. I don't feel as if I had the 
pluck to. 

{Enter Colonel Anstruther, l. c.) 

Anstruther. Who hasn't the pluck, eh ? Yo '11 
have lots of it when we get into line on the veldt, 
my boy. 

Mannering. I hope so, sir. 

Anstruther. Do you know, I've just seen the 
most perfectly charming woman ! {goes to ivindow) 

Mannering. Really, sir ? 

Anstruther. Yes, look — she's standing near 
Lady Harburgh. 

Mannering. {going up r. c.) Miss Vining, 1 
suppose, {goes to ivindow) Yes, there she is. She's 
an Irish girl, niece of Lady Harburgh's. 

Anstruther. Upon my soul, Mannering, she's 
delightful. There, see, she's looking over here. I 
begin to think there is such a thing as love at first 
sight. Now she's talking to Lady Harburgh. 

Mannering. That ? Why, that's my sister. 

Anstruther. What ? Not Miss Vining ? 

Mannering. No, that's Muriel. What an odd 
thing, {comes down l. c.) 

Anstruther. Odd ! Why ? {comes doivn c.) 

Mannering. Nothing, sir — I only meant 

Anstruther. Of course, I'd never have spoken 
as I did, had I known she was your sister. 

Mannering. Oh,t hat's all right, sir. {goes up l.) 



4fi SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

(Major Bingham appears up r. ^inth newspaper.) 

Bingham. I say, sir — have you seen this, sir, 
the evening paper ? {comes down) 

Anstruther. No, what's in it ? 

Bingham. It says we're detailed far the next 
division and that we embark at Southampton in a 
week or two. (gives him paper) See, just there, sir. 

Mannering. (comes doivn l. c.) By Jove ! 
What luck ! 

Anstruther. Do you know, I think I'll telegraph 
for confirmation of this. 

Bingham. Yes, sir. 

Anstruther. But I'm coming back to meet your 
sister. 

(Exit off R. c.) 
(Bingham goes up c.) 

Mannering. Yes, sir. I hope it's true. But 
journalists are so infernally imaginative. 

Bingham, (comes down c.) Yes. They begin 
so young. They ought to serve a five years' appren- 
ticeship with invisible ink. (throivs cap on couch) 

Mannering. If only I can dodge the duns ! 

Bingham. Dodge the duns ? Nothing easier. 
When the tropoer's on the tide, the baihffs shed as 
many tears as the girls we leave behind. Different 
class of " tear " perhaps, but Lfancy it takes longer 
to dry. (up r.) 

Mannering. What a queer thing it would be if he 
land Muriel — but, of course — it isn't possible. 



Act I.] SECOND IN" COMMAND. 47 

{Chatter heard off r.) 

Bingham. What are you mumbling about ? 

Mannering. I — mumbling ? Oh, nothing, {aside) 
I'll ask the Colonel for a day's leave. I'll have a last 
shot at raising the wind in town. 
{Enter Lady Harburgh, r. Muriel, Norah, Bar- 
ker and HiLDEBRAND. Lady Harburgh comes 

down c. to armchair l. c. Muriel comes down r., 

sits on R. of sofa R. Norah sits on centre of seat up 

R. c. HiLDEBRAND sits on her R.) 

Bingham. Ah, here you are. {comes at hack to 
L. c.) Capital ! Will you take charge of the tea table, 
Lady Harburgh ? 

Lady Harburgh. With pleasure ! 

Bingham, {goes to hack of sofa R.) Ring the bell, 
Tins, will you ? 
(Barker goes l. c, rings bell by desk, places cane and 

gloves on desk, then takes cup of tea and jug of milk 

to Muriel.) 

Lady Harburgh. (pours out tea) Where's Colonel 
Anstruther ? 

Mannering. He's with the Adjutant. He'll be 
here in a moment, {goes down l. to paper tables, and 
looks at newspapers) 

Bingham, {hack of sofa, in a whisper to Muriel) 
He's to be our best man, you know. 

Lady Harburgh. Colonel Anstruther is a very 
able officer, I believe. That, of course, is why they 
gave him command of the regiment. 



48 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

Bingham. Yes, rather an unusual reason in the 
British Army. 

Lady Harburgh. If it's not a rude question, 
Major Bingham, why didn't you get it ? 
(Barker and Hildebrand take tea to Norah, who 
takes Barker's. Barker sits hy Norah.) 

Bingham. Well, I was rather busy at the time. 

{Enter Medenham with jug of hot water on salver.) 
Then I'm not in a very good odour with the powers 
that be. I've criticized their methods freely, and got 
into 

Medenham. (r. of Bingham) Hot water, sir ? 

Bingham. Eh ? Oh, ah, yes. 

(Hartopp enters r. with cake stand. Medenham goes 
to him, takes cake stand and gives him salver ; Meden- 
ham 'places stand above.) 

Intelligent waiter, that. 

[Exit Medenham, r.) 
Lady Harburgh. I suppose all important com- 
mands and staff appointments nowadays are made 

by selection. 

Bingham. Yes, to a certain extent. That is to say. 

War Office officials as a rule select themselves, (re- 

turns sugar to table) 

Lady Harburgh. Whether competent or not. 
Bingham, {takes plate of cakes) Competence isn't 

included in the requirements. 

(Hildebrand stands behind tea-table.) 



Act!.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 4J^ 

Lady Harburgh. Really ? Then let us hope, 
Major Bingham, that you have a brilliant caireei? 
before you. 

(HiLDEBRAND laugks.) 

Bingham. How good of you ! Thanks awfully. 
(takes cake to Muriel) Kind woman, isn't she ? 

Lady Harburgh. You know there's a wonderful 
charm in picnicking in rooms that are used by men, 
and men only. 

Bingham, {comes c.) Really ? {places plate on 
stand) 

Lady Harburgh. Yes. Such a comfortable 
absence of things that are easily knocked over. 

Bingham, Yes. Gives you more'room for bowfeg 
over individuals. 

Lady Harburgh. Perhaps ! • 

Bingham, {goes to Muriel) Lady Harburgh is in- 
clined to be a httle distant, don't you think ? 

Muriel. I suppose she is. 

(Lady Harburgh arid Mannering converse audibly 
L. c. Barker and Norah talk up R.) 

Bingham, {sits) So I've come here to keep it up 
— geographically. You've no idea how absurdly 
happy I am, I am light-hearted and light-headed as a 
happy madman that has no lucid moments whatever. 
I suppose you don't — quite — feel the same sort of 
thing ? 

Muriel. No, not quite. You remember what I 
told you. I was perfectly frank with you. 



50 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

Bingham. Yes, oh, yes. I'm not complaining. I 
was only wondering. 

Muriel. Perhaps some day you may change, 
and 

Bingham. Yes, yes — and then you'll feel the 
warmth of the sunshine as I do. By the way, (looks 
over to L. , then aside to her) there's the ring to be 
thought of. 

(Barker rises, places cuj)s on table behind seat up r., 
then stands at window c. tvith Norah.) 

Muriel. The ring ? Oh, I see — the engagement 
ring. 

Bingham. Yes, doesn't it sound exciting ? One 
can almost hear the wedding bells and feel the scent 
•of the orange blossoms. What sort of ring would you 
like? 

(Lady Harburgh laughs, and Mannering rises, goes 
ti tMe L., g3ts photo album, brings it to above Lady 
Harburgh up L.) 

Muriel. I'll leave it to you. Don't let us talk 
about it now. I feel as if something were going to 
happen. 

Bingham. Happen ? What ? 

Muriel. I don't know. 

Bingham. Then you'd better have some more tea. 

(Orderly crosses at back from r. to l.) 

Muriel. No, thanks. 
Bingham. I wonder what it is. 



Act I.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 51 

Muriel. Oh, imagination probably. It's only 
natural I should feel excited. 

Bingham. Yes, yes, of course. 

Barker. Here comes the Colonel. 
(Barker and Norah go to ivindow r. Mannering 

^places album on table, goes up c. to ivindow c.) 

Lady Harburgh. I'm so glad he's coming. 

Muriel. The Colonel ? 

Bingham. Yes, our best man, you know. 

Muriel. What is the name ? Quick — tell me. 

Bingham. Anstruther. 

Muriel. Colonel Anstruther ? 

Bingham. Yes. 

Mannering. {looking off l. c.) An orderly's 
stopped him. 

Lady Harburgh. I suppose he's dreadfully busy 
over the move. 

Bingham. Yes, he has lots to do. 

Muriel, (to Bingham) Isn't he coming ? 

Bingham. Yes, if you like you can see him from 
the window. 

(Norah and Barker chatting at umidotv, rather loudly 
then quietly.) 

Muriel. No, I don't want to. 

Bingham. Muriel, what is it ? 

Muriel. Nothing, I'd rather not. What is he 
like? 

Bingham. Anstruther ? Oh, here he is. 

[Enter r. through window, Colonel Anstruther.) 



62 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act I. 

Anstruther. How d'you do ? I'm so sorry 
not to have been here before, but a thousand little 
things kept me. 

Lady Harburgh. Oh, we quite understand how 
busy you must be. We've had a most excellent tea. 

Anstruther. That's right. 

Bingham. By the way. Colonel, you haven't met 
Miss Mannering. [turning to Muriel) May I intro- 
duce Colonel Anstruther ? 

Muriel. I almost seem to know you, Colonel 
Anstruther. 

Anstruther. Oddly enough I had the same 
feehng. Possibly because of your likeness to your 
brother. 

Muriel. I seem to know your face. 

Anstruther. Then we're almost old friends. 

Muriel. Yes, almost old friends. 

(Mannering calls Bingham to see photo.) 

Curtain. 



ACT II 

Brush for Medenham at fireplace. 

Tray, coffee, cuagoa and glasses, etc., for Hartopp. 

Pictures on walls. 

Bugler and bugle picquet calls, etc. 

Anstruther has cheque book. 

Writing materials including blotting pad on desk on left. 

Telegram in envelope for Medenham to hand to Anstruther. 

Photo frame on piano. 

Medenham with tray, whisky and soda, cigars, cigarettes, etc. 

Songs Ready. 

" Boys old Brigade.'' 

" When your hair grows whiter." 

Cello solo — " Star of Eve." 

" Love's old sweet song " {Bingham). 

" Say au re voir." 

" Wrap me up in my stable jacket," 





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ACT II. 

Scene. — Colonel Anstruther's quarters. 

{As the curtain rises, Medenham is discovered up at 
fire, brushing hearth. Enter Hartopp tvith tray 
of coffee, etc., goes to table in tvindow r.) 

Medenham. {turns) They ain't ready for coffee 
yet. They're 'avin' dessert and the Colonel's 'ealth. 

Hartopp. Wot ? Speechifying ? (piits doivn 
tray) 

Medenham. Yes, Binks is at it 'ard. 

Hartopp. 'E's a great boy, is Binks. 

Medenham. What d'ye say to joining in the 
toast ? {hangs up brush) 

Hartopp. Right you are ! You keep sentry go 
on the door and I'll do the honours. 

Medenham. Right ! {crosses to doors up r. 
and listens) 

Hartopp. Curagoa ? {pours out liqueur) 

Medenham. That's the touch. Rum shift the 
Colonel giving a farewell dinner in his quarters just 
^before the regiment moves. 

Hartopp. 'Aven't ye spotted the Colonel's little 
game ? 



m SECOND IK COMMAND. [Act II. 

Medenham. {listetmig) Not I. I've been pack- 
in' in the mess for all my bloomin' life's worth. 

Hartopp. 'E's in love. 

Medenha'm. {turns) Go on ! 

Hartopp. It's straight, {hands glass) 'Ere, 
freeze on to that. 

Medenham. Well, Colonel's health. 

Hartopp. And Bink's ? 

{Both about to drink.) 
Steady on. (places both glasses on tray) 'Ere comes 
a squad of 'em. 

{Boith attention. Doors open. Colonel ivith Barker 
and Bingham are see^i at doors with ladies, all 
chatting. Lady Harburgh goes to seat l. c. by 
firepl ice, sits. Norah goes up c. Muriel comes 
doivn c. Folding doors are closed.) 
Lady Harburgh. Thank you, Colonel, {crosses to 

L. c.) A very delightful little dinner party. Bachelors 

make excellent hosts. 

(Hartopp fills coffee cups.) 

Norah. {up c.) Yes, they do clumsy things so 
genially. As a rule a dinner bores me horribly. 
Play something, Muriel, {comes doivn to piano) 

(Muriel sits at piano.) 

Lady Harburgh. It is not for any young girl 
to feel bored. As you go through life you'll find the 
easily bored are themselves the greatest bores. 

Hartopp. Coffee, my lady. 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 57 

(Muriel flays piano.) 

Lady Harburgh. Thank you. {to Medenham) 
Isn't Colonel Anstruther going to pack all these things 
of his ? {indicates articles in room) 

Medenham. Well, you see, my lady, strange as 
it may seem, we don't take furniture and lamps and 
pictures on active service. 

Lady Harburgh. I don't suppose you do. 

Medenham. They might 'amper us in action. 
No, my lady, after we've gone, a firm in the town 
packs and stores them. 

Lady Harburgh. I see. Well, I'm sure we all 
wish you every success in the forthcoming campaign. 

Medenham. Thank you, my lady. We 'ope in a 
quiet way to assert the supremacy of British arms. 

Lady Harburgh. I understand there is a camp 
fire, an open air concert, or some such function to- 
night ? 

Medenham. Yes, my lady, just outside under 
the trees ; you'll find chairs placed for the Ofiicers' 
party. 

(Muriel stops playing and goes up c. to tvindow.) 

Lady Harburgh. Thank you. 

{Exeunt Hartopp and Medenham.) 

Muriel, {up c.) What a perfect evening. And 
all these Ughted barrack rooms filled with men who 
soon will be sleeping on the open veldt. {comes 
down a little c.) 



58 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II 

Lady Harburgh. Exactly. All of which means 
that you've very little time to lose. 

Muriel, {up c.) I — I don't understand. 

Lady Harburgh. My dear Muriel, to close one's 
eyes is somewhat discreet, to be blind — never. 

(Muriel comes in front to l. of fire.) 

I mean that, were I a young Avoman and knew that 
two men were devoted to me. I should arrange a 
crisis before their embarkation. 

Muriel. What ? To scheme for my own selfish 
ends ? 

Lady Harburgh. Partly, dear, for mine. 

Muriel, {bitterly) Oh, of course, I forgot, quite 
forgot that I exist on — on your charity. 

Lady Harburgh. Muriel ! 

Muriel, {a step to her) Forgive me ! I didn't 
mean it. You've been very good to me, and I haven't 
been worth it. 

Lady Harburgh. Remember, you won't always 
be young. There comes the day when the roses and 
the lilies fade, when the soft cadences of a young 
voice change to the shrill arpeggios of middle age. 

Muriel. Yes, I know, {sits l. of fire) 

Lady Harburgh. You must have noticed Colonel 
Anstruther's very marked admiration. He scarcely 
touched a morsel at dinner. 

Muriel. I'm very sorry that I should be responsi- 
ble for any loss of appetite. 

Lady Harburgh. It's an infaUible indication of 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 5^ 

a leaning towards matrimony. When poor Har- 
burgli and I were first engaged, he practically lived 
on sandwiches. 

NoRAH. {laughs) It's quite different with Hilde- 
brand. The more he's in love the more he eats and 
drinks, (laughs) To-night he drank everybody's 
health separately. 

Lady Harburgh. Hildebrand never exceeds. 

Nor AH. Hum ! hum ! We shall see presently. 

Lady Harburgh. We will see at once, {rises, 
opens door and calls) Hildebrand ! 

Hildebrand. {off) Mother ! 

Lady Harburgh. I cannot believe that a son of 
mine could possibly consume more than is adequate 
to meet the requirements of a warm summer evening. 

(Hildebrand appears. In the folloiving scene he 
only indicates very slight excess.) 

Hildebrand. You want me, mother ? 

Lady Harburgh. What have you been doing, 
Hildebrand ? 

Hildebrand. I am — about — to make — speech. 

Lady Harburgh. I can hardly believe it, but 
you certainly import an alcoholic atmosphere. 

Hildebrand. I do not deny it. Strong waters 
are the glory of a man and the shame — of a woman. 
P forbid you to refer to them. 

Lady Harburgh. My only regret is that the 
carriage is not h'^re. If it were, I should send you 
home at once. 



60 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

HiLDEBRAND. Wild horses would not drag me. 
I have made up my mind. 

NoRAH. To what, Billy ? 

HiLDEBRAND, I am going in for something — 
once an' for all. 

NoRAH. That's quite right. What is it ? 

HiLDEBRAND. I don't know. Whatever you Kke. 

Lady Harburgh. Sit down. 

HiLDEBRAND. (collapses into chair l. of piano) 
Pleasure. And having taken the chair — I am about 
to make — speech. 

Lady Harburgh. It is only too obvious that 
idleness is the mother of vice. 

HiLDEBRAND. Ycs, and what an enormous family 
she has. 

Lady Harburgh. Your deplorable condition is 
enough to rouse the Maclachlans of the Hebrides in 
their mountain graves. 

HiLDEBRAND. The Maclachlans of the Hebrides 
sleeping peacefully under the " mountain dew." 
What a beautiful idea. 

Lady Harburgh. You will be good enough at 
least to show a perfunctory reverence for your 
mother's ancestors. 

HiLDEBRAND. I havc been — credibly informed 
that the Maclachlans of the Hebrides were — never 
sober. 

Lady Harburgh. Oh ! {turns to Muriel) 

NoRAH. Oh ! Hildebrand ! {comes down to back 

of HiLDEBRAND) 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 61 

HiLDEBRAND. Fact ! Mother has often told me 
so herself. 

Lady Harburgh. {comes c.) It may be that 
the storm and stress of the middle ages 

HiLDEBRAND. {(jravehj) That was no excuse. 
(smiles) Don't whitewash them, mother. The world 
is as parched now as in mediaeval days, occasionally 
more so. [gravely) And it is my duty to fight— 
'gainst her-heredit-t-tary tendencies. 

Lady Harburgh. Do not attempt to pronounce 
words of so many syllables. 

(Song heard off r. " The Boys of the Old Brigade. ") 

HiLDEBRAND. I doubt if you could say her- 
hereditary tendencies three times quickly. 

Lady Harburgh. I have no intention of trying. 
{goes up c.) 

HiLDEBRAND. Ha ! Ha ! No enterprise, {sits 
at piano) 

Lady Harburgh. Listen ! The camp fire has 
begun. Come, Muriel, let us breathe the fresh night 
air, the atmosphere is vitiated. And by a son — of 
my own. 

f HiLDEBRAND pluys OH piauo ivith one finger, " We 
ivonH go home till morni7ig.'') 
{Exeunt Lady Harburgh and Muriel.) 

NoRAH. Hildebrand ! 

HiLDEBRAND. Take care ! {repeats " We won't 
go home till morning'') 

NoRAH. What do you mean ? 



62 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

HiLDEBRAND, I'm vitiated, {repeats " We ivonH 
go home till inorning ") 

Nor AH. {closes piano) Listen ! It was I who 
told Aunt Agatha that you had had such quantities 
of wine. 

HiLDEBRAND. {opeus piano) Did you ? I for- 
give you — fully and freely, {concludes " and then 
we won't go home ") 

(HiLDEBRAND tums to NoRAH, ivho has gonc to l. c. 
and then returns to R. c.) 

I had a special opportunity for enjoyment at dinner 
to-night. A large azalea on the table formed a 
zereba against mother's ancestral eye. I feel abso- 
lutely altruistic. 

NoRAH. Now, understand me. I will never 
marry you until you have got an appointment of some 
sort. And you must give me your word of honour 
never to touch wine again until you do. 

HiLDEBRAND. Does wiuc iucludc spirits ? 

NoRAH. Of course it does. 

HiLDEBRAND. And beer ? 

NoRAH. It does. 

HiLDEBRAND. Well — I promisc — but — I'll get 
'pointment to-morrow. 

{Bugle heard off, " Piquet Call.'') 
{Enter Barker and Mannering.) 

Mannering. Why on earth is the piquet call 



Act II.] SECOND IN" COMMAND. 63 

going now ? You lucky people, with nothing to do 
but eat, drink and be merry. 

{Exit Nor AH.) 
Hallo, Carstairs. 

{Filter Medenham.) 
HiLDEBRAND. Excuse me, I'm in great trouble. 
(Exit.) 
(Bugle heard off, " Piquet Call ") 

Medenham. Your sword and cap, sir. Excuse 
me, Sir Walter, I think you'd better go out by the 
lawn. 

Mannering. Really, why ? 

Medenham. There's a man outside with a war- 
rant of arrest for debt, sir, asking for you. I said you 
wasn't in barracks. "Well," says he, "he ought 
to be, as I happen to know he's Orderly Officer." 
I'd made a slight mistake, sir, and he won't go away. 

Mannering. Thank you, Medenham — I'm glad 
you told me. 

(Bugle eall repeat " Piquet Call " farther away.) 

(Exit Mannering and Medenham.) 

(Enter Colonel Anstruther, tvho goes to l. c, and 
Bingham, who goes into window c.) 

Bingham, (as they enter) But you know 

Anstruther. No, I can't agree with you — Hallo ' 

an empty room ! Where's everybody ? (over l.) 

Bingham. Gone to the sing-song probably. By 



64 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act 11. 

Jove^ what a divine night. Life is smihng to-night, 
Miles, absolutely beaming. The very stars are 
twinkling in sheer delight. Look at them. 

Anstruther. Have a cigar ? {sits armchair l.) 

Bingham. Yes, give me anything, everything. 

Wine, stars, tobacco, moonlight, love. I'm a king 

to-night — let everything pay me tribute, {sits on 

settee) 

Anstruther. If high spirits are an indication, 
Kit, your moral barometer is rising. 

Bingham. Rising, Miles ? Why, it's risen. The 
mercury has pressed to the tip-top of the tube, and 
the weather's perfectly astonishing. 

Anstruther. Mercury no doubt associated with 
Venus. 

Bingham. Ah, there you are ! I can't tell you ; 
I've given a promise. But, look here^no, no, — 
honour bright, I can't tell you. 

Anstruther. Perhaps I can find out. 
Bingham. No, I think not. I've been discreet 
and loyal. Not a soul has an idea of what has 
happened. 

Anstruther. So a lover alwa3^s thinks. 
Bingham. Does he ? Yes, I suppose in the eyes 
of the world the lover is a fool. But, Miles, it's a 
glorious folly, beyond the reach of the poor cynics 
who laugh at us with the mirthless envy they call 
philosophy. If they felt as I feel, they'd know. 
Miles, Miles, if you only knew. 

Anstruther. I've an odd idea that I do. But 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 65 

I never dreamed that you suffered so acutely from 
the artistic temperament. 

Bingham. Do I ? 

Anstruther. Obviously. 

Bingham. I didn't know. I always associate the 
artistic temperament with persons who eat enor- 
mously. When they're really dyspeptic you get 
originality. 

{Both laugh.) 

You know, a chap like old 

Anstruther. Kit, I want you to be serious. 

Bingham. Right ! That's one of the lover's 
deep delights — to be mad one moment and sane the 
next. What is it ? 

Anstruther. I've found out that young Manner- 
ing is in very low financial water. 

Bingham. Yes, I know he is, poor chap. 

Anstruther. There's a chance of his not getting 
out with us. 

Bingham. As bad as that ? 

Anstruther. (rises and goes doivn l.) Yes. 
Now — I hate to say it — but I'm what you call 

Bingham, {rises) A rich man ? 

Anstruther. Yes, Kit, that's what I meant. 

Bingham. Miles — I suppose I ought to say 
" Colonel," but I can't — you are a good sort. 

Anstruther. There you go, jumping at con- 
clusions. 

Bingham. Yes ; because I've guessed. 



66 SECOND IX COMMAND. [Act II. 

Anstruther. Well ? What d'you say ? 

Bingham. He wouldn't take it. Nothing short 
of three thousand would clear him. He'd never 
take it. 

Anstruther. I suppose he wouldn't. I haven't 
known him a month yet, but there's another way. 

Bingham. What other way? 

Anstruther. He'd take it from you. {goes to 
desk) 

Bingham. Possibly ! The difhculty there is that 
he'd never get it. 

Anstruther. No ! But I could hand the money 
over to you. See — here's my cheque book. You 
pay that into your account and hand Mannering a 
cheque of your own for the amount. 

Bingham. But, good Heavens ! You don't sup- 
pose that he'd believe I had that amount to distribute 
like — like a tract. 

Anstruther. Why not ? 

Bingham, (sits at end of fiano) Everybody 
knows I was never out of debt in my life. You 
ask my tailor, he'll tell you. I never pay for clothes 
till long after they've been given to the poor. 

Anstruther. Well then, you've suddenly come 
into a fortune. That's quite possible. 

Bingham. It isn't really. Not if you knew my 
people. They're all distinguished but unmarketable 
folk who exist on pensions or annuities. 

Anstruther. That doesn't matter, {tears cheque 
out and hlots it) Come, Kit, in the vocabulary of a 



Act II.] SECON^n IN" COMMAND. (57 

(rises) Cavalry Major, there's no such word as " fail." 
{comes up to fire, dries cheque at fire) 

Bingham. Isn't there ? Not in yours, perhaps, 
but there is in mine. I say, bar chaff — do you really 
think I could do it ? 

Anstruther. Of course you could. So take the 
cheque, like a good soul. I can't stand by and see a 
promising young boy go to the dogs. 

Bingham, {takes cheque) You're one in a thou- 
sand, Miles, and I'll do it. {sitsL. of fire) I say, you 
know, they'll howl with laughter when I hint that 
I've acquired a fortune and eleemosynary tendencies. 

{Song heard in distance, " When your hair groivs 
whiter.'') 

Anstruther. You know. Kit, what I'm doing is 
not so disinterested as it seems. 

Bingham. No ! 

Anstruther. For I'm — I'm in love at last. 

Bingham. Oh — what you ? Oh, no, you don't 
say so, really ? 

Anstruther. Yes ! I see lifo just as you do. 

Bingham. That's awfully funny. 

Anstruther. Yes ! Isn't it ? {slaps Bingham 
on shoulder) Kit, we're middle-aged fools, you and 
I, but we don't look for wisdom as long as the 
midsummer folly lasts. 

Bingham. And — if it's a fair question — who is 
she? 

Anstruther. Kit, Mannering's sister — Muriel. 



68 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

{Singing rises and falls.) 

Bingham. What ! ! ! 

Anstruther. You never dreamt of that, did you ? 

Bingham. No — it never — occurred to me. 

Anstruther. And you've nothing to say ? 

Bingham. {rises) To say ? Why — yes — of 
course I have — lots, {goeston.c.) You see, Colonel, 
these things always come as a surprise. 

Anstruther. I haven't spoken yet, you know. 

Bingham. Of course you're prepared for — possible 
refusal ? 

Anstruther. No, I don't think I am. 

Bingham. No ? 

Anstruther. No ! One can read the answer in 
the eyes long before the question is put. You must 
have found that. 

Bingham. No, I don't know that I have, {goes 
to down R.) At least, not always the correct answer. 

{Enter Norah, l. c.) 

NoRAH. {down c.) Please, Major Bingham, we 
all want you. It's such a lovely night, and the men 
are singing choruses beautifully. 

Bingham, {up to piano) What ? {hand on piano) 
Miss Mannering sent you ? 

Norah. No, but she's there. Come along, {up 
to back of seat l. c.) You don't mind my taking him 
away, do you, Colonel Anstruther ? He's promised 
to sing. 

Anstruther. Have you, Kit ? 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 69 

Bingham. I believe I have. 
Nor AH. Does he sing well ? 
Anstruther. He — er — sings, {turns to fire again) 

{Exit NORAH.) 

Kit — dear old happy-go-lucky Kit— he can't have 
fallen a captive to that Httle madcap. No, no, he's 
too old a soldier. 

{Enter Medenham, r.) 

Medenham. Telegram, sir. 

Anstruther. Official ? {advances to c.) 

Medenham. Yes, sir, to Commanding Officer. 

Anstruther. It's late for a telegram, {goes to l., 
reads telegram under lamp above desk) From " Brigade 
Major. The regiment under your command will 
embark at Southampton — 

{Enter Muriel.) 

on Friday, the 8th inst., for service in South Africa. 
You will receive fully detailed instructions by 9 a.m. 
to-morrow." 

Medenham. {eagerly) Orders for the front, sir ? 
{draws himself to attention) 

Anstruther. Eh ! Oh ! {surprised) Yes, 
Medenham, we're off in three days. Take this to the 
Adjutant at once. I'll see him myself presently. 

Medenham. Yes, sir. 

{Exit down r.) 
Anstruther. Three days' time, {places cigar 



70 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act H. 

on fnintelshelf, turns to c.) Miss Mannering, I didn't 
see you come in. 

Muriel. I'm so sorry, Colonel Anstruther. I 
accidentally overheard. 

Anstruther. There's no reason why you 
shouldn't. I'd^have told you myself in any case. 

Muriel. And you go in three days' time ? 

Anstruther. Yes ; you'll miss us a little, I hope. 

Muriel. More than a little. 

(Singing csases — no applause.) 

Anstruther. Of course ! I'd forgotten, there's 
Walter. That must mean a great break. Your 
only brother. 

Muriel. Poor Walter ! One can only tr}^ and be 
glad that he is going to realize an ambition and see 
active service. You've seen a great deal already, 
haven't you ? 

. Anstruther. Oh, yes ! I've had my share of 
luck. 

Muriel. And your Distinguished Service Medal. 
How splendid that was. That wasn't a case of luck. 

Anstruther. I think it was. I only did what a 
hundred others were ready to do. Far finer things 
have be3n done quite quietly by men who were never 
even mentioned in despatches. Still — there's only 
one thing on earth I'd exchange the little enamel 
cross for. 

Muriel. No, surely — there's nothing. 

Anstruther. Yes, and it's something that you 
could give. 



ActTI.] second in command. 7T 

Muriel. That I could give ? 

Anstruther. Yes, only you. 

Muriel. Colonel Anstruther. {a step down) 

Anstruther. It isn't hard to guess, is it ? Shall 
I tell you ? 

Muriel. No, no ! I mustn't hear — I'm afraid to. 

Anstruther. There's nothing to be afraid of — 
nothing you need 

Muriel. Yes, yes, there is. You — you {don't 
know. 

Anstruther. I know that I love you. 

(Muriel movzs down.) 

Yes — you must let me say it. You can't deny me 
that. Muriel, you must have seen it. 

Muriel. You don't know how you're hurting me, 

Anstruther. Muriel ! 

Muriel. No, no, I can't — indeed I can't listen. 

Anstruther. I only want to tell you the truth. 
I'm not capable of hurting you. For days and nights 
I've been waiting for this hour to coma. A.ia now — 
now — I'm alone with you, we sail in a day or two, and 
I can't keep back the truth. 

(Muriel moves down.) 
You must hear it. Love had been to me the merest 
fairy tale till Avith an invisible wand you touched 
it into reaUty. 

(Start 'cello solo.) 
And then — of a sudden — my eyes were opened, I was 
awake, and life had a new meaning. 



72 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

CCello solo heard in distance playing '' Star of EveV ) 
Muriel. Yes — a new meaning. 
Anstruther. Muriel, I haven't been blind. I 
know that you love me. 

Muriel. No, no, I can't. I haven't the right 
to 

Anstruther. Not the right to ? Why— that 
day we met I swear I read it in your eyes that we 
were each thg gift of Hfe to the other. Muriel — why — 
you're trembling, {takes her hand) 

Muriel. Yes, I'm trembling with happiness and 
pain. 

Anstruther. Pain ? 

Muriel. Yes ; that a happy dreamland has come 
into view that can only fade away. 

Anstruther. But why — why fade away ? 

Muriel, (removes her hayid) I am not free. 

Anstruther. Not free ? (moves to c.) I didn't 
know. T never dreamt of that, (hand on chair c. 
You — y ) I must forgive me for speaking. 

Muriel. You see how quickly the, day dream 
dies. But there is nothing to forgive, only something 
never to be forgotten. 

Anstruther. And 1 may not ask you 

Muriel. No ; we'll let it end as it is. It's just 
been a day dream. Something one sees for a moment 
in the sky at sunset, or in the embers of a fire in 
winter, something one feeh of a sudden and wonders 
at, but can't keep hold of. 

Anstruther. And you've no vague Uttle hope 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 7S 

to hold out ? Nothing I can take to sea as a taUs- 
man ? No whispered '' perhaps " ? 
Muriel. No ! Nothing ! 

{A pause. Then Colonel turns slowly up and goes 
to door R. As he is about to close them Mannering 
appears through ivindow c. He catches the glimpse 
of ^Ae Colonel's feacA^. Muriel crosses s/o?/% 
and sadly up l. hy fire. Mannering removes his 
sivord and cap, places them on table r. of ivindow, 
gazing from the closed doors to Muriel intently.) 

Mannering. Muriel — why— what's the matter ? 
(comes to c.) 

Muriel, (up l.) It's nothing, Walter. Only 
that — Colonel Anstruther told me 

Mannering. Yes — what ? 

Muriel. That you sail in three days. 

Mannering. The orders have come ? 

Muriel, (sits on chair c.) Yes, he's got a tele- 
gram. And now that it's so near I'm nervous and 
unhappy. We've never been really separated before, 
and somehow — having no one else but you — I feel 
alone and almost afraid. 

Mannering. (corms to her). Muriel, I haven't 
been half the brother to you that I ought, (takes her 
hands) 

Muriel. Yes, you have. Don't say that. You've 
always been good and kind, Walter. You remember 
the night when we both promised mother to be every- 
thing to each other, even if a sacrifice were necessary ? 



74 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

. Mannering. Yes, I remember. 

Muriel. That was the last thing she said to me. 

Mannering. I know. 

Muriel. And when you're far away, and perhaps 
suffering, I want you always to remember that I am 
praying for you, not now and then, but always. 

Mannering. {comes to down c.) Muriel — perhaps 
— I may not go. 

{'Cello stops.) 

Muriel. Not go ? 

Mannering. No ! There's a writ for debt out 
agaiQst me and the Cololnel would never let me go 
if he came to kbow of it. 

Muriel. Walter ! (leans on chair c.) 

Mannering. It's true. I've tried to raise the 
money and failed, hopelessly. 

Muriel, {comes to r. c.) But, Walter — it's terri- 
ble. It means disgrace, doesn't it ? How did it 
happen? 

Mannering. Don't ask me, dear, {crosses to l.) 
It wouldn't help us. {up to fire) I've been a spend- 
thrift blackguard and it's over, {sits on seat up l.c.) 

Muriel. What's to be done ? ; ';: 

Mannering. Nothing. I thought for a moment 
when I saw you with the Colonel, that— there was 
just a chance 

Muriel. A chance ? Of what ? 

Mannering. No, I can't tell you. I've been vile 
enough as it is. 

Muriel, {up to him). But you must tell me, 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. ^' 75 

Walter. Don't you see that we've nobody but each 
other to help us now. What is it ? What is it ? 
Quick ! (leans over him, l.) 

Mannering. Fenwick, the lawyer, said he might 
raise the money if you were going to marry a rich 
man — like the Colonel. He really meant that he 
would lend it himself and take the risk. 

Muriel. I — to marry Colonel Anstruther ? 

Mannering. Yes. 

Muriel. You can't realize what you're saying, 
Walter. The bare idea of scheming and trafficking 
in marriage is revolting — horrible. 

Mannering. Of course — it's a wild scheme and 
impossible. I'd never have spoken of it, but in the 
last few days I got an idea that he really cared for you. 

Muriel, {goes down r. c.) Hush ! You mustn't 
say that. I've — I've promised to be Kit's wife. 

Mannering. What|? 

Muriel. Yes. I meant to tell you before this, 
but — somehow I couldn't. 

Mannering. And you really love him — love Kit ? 

Muriel. I — yes — — 

Mannering. Muriel ! 

Muriel. Yes, Walter, really. 

Mannering. I'd no idea of that. I'd never have 
uttered a word 

Muriel. I know you wouldn't. But I must 

think {crosses to n.) I must have time. Is it 

much ? 

Mannering. The money ? {down l.) 



76 I SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

Muriel. Yes. 

Mannering. Thrae thousand. 

Muriel. Three thousand pounds. Walter, 
Walter, how could you do it ? 

Mannering. I don't know. Because I've been a 
selfish brute and not fit to be a brother of yours. 
(turns aivay to l.) 

Muriel. Something must be done. There's no 
time to be lost. / must do something. 

Mannering. (turns to her) Muriel — dearest — 
you're to do nothing. You couldn't raise the money, 
and I won't have you try. I'm not worth it. 

Muriel. (wpR. c.) It isn't that. It's a question 
of what is right — what is best to be done, (doiim R.) 

(Enter Major Bingham, l. up c.) 

Bingham, (uf c.) Halloa ! Halloa ! the desert- 
ers ! A perfect night — one of a hundred in this allu- 
vial country, and yet you waste it indoors. To say 
nothing of the camp fire. 

Muriel, (r.) Yes, Walter and I 

Mannering. (l.) I've seen so little of Muriel 
lately, and I 

Muriel. Walter, I want to speak to Major Bing- 
ham a moment. 

Bingham, (up c.) Yes, of course you do. So 
retire, Walter, as if the enemy were in sight, (goes to 
fire) 

(Mannering crosses c. to up r. c., gets sword and cap, 
then turns and gazes at Muriel.) 



AcTiL] SECOND IN COMMAND. 77 

Brothers are all very well in broad daylight, but when 
the lamps are lit and the moon is up — you want some- 
thing more. Well — what are you staring at ? {turm 
and looks into fire) 

Mannering. Oh, nothing ! {to Muriel) Muriel, 
remember what I told you ; you're to do nothing. 

{Exit L. c.) 

Bingham. There ! Our first moment alone to- 
night, {comes c.) Muriel ! I'm sorry — I keep for- 
getting that you don't feel yet just as I do ; I'm so 
tactless. 

(Muriel goes down to r., then returns and sits l. of 

piano. Bingham gets chair from c and f laces it 

L. of her.) 
By the way, we've a tremendous ceremony to go 
through. I've — I've got the ring. 

Muriel. The ring ? 

Bingham, {sits l. of her) Yes, the engagement 
ring, {takes ring from vest pocket) It came by post 
to-night. Here it is. There — isn't it a beauty. 
A ruby with a diamond on either side. The ruby 
stands for my heart, and it's held fast by one pure 
diamond for the beauty of your soul, and by the other 
for the beauty of yourself. It's my own idea. 
There ! put it on. Doesn't it sparkle wonderfully ? 

Muriel. Does it ? {not looking) 

Bingham. Yes. Look ! The stones seem to 
flash every colour. 

Muriel, {looks) Yes ; I see. 



78 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

Bingham. So there it is, with all the love I have 
to give you, and you'll never know, dearest, how 
much that is. 

Muriel. Kit — I — I can't. 

Bingham. Muriel ! Why, what a wretched lover 
I am. Of course — ^I must put it on. I forgot that. 
Let's see, which is the finger ? Does it matter ? 

Muriel. Kit — I can't — I can't wear it. 

Bingham. Muriel ! 

Muriel. I don't know what to say. I don't even 
feel that I can think. Kit, I want to ask you — for 
my 

Bingham. My darling ! for what ? 

Muriel. My freedom. 

Bingham. I — I don't think I — quite understand — 
I'm stupid and dense, Muriel. I'm quj^e sure it*s 
all right — that it means — only something that I ought 
to see and don't. 

Muriel. Kit, I had no right to say I would be 
your wife. I — I didn't feel — things have happened. 
I've realized — that I was wrong to (cries) 

Bingham. Yes ! Ah, don't, don't, dear. I know 
now — I see all at once— how it's hurting you to say it 
— but I'm sure — you're right. 

Muriel. Kit ! 

Bingham. I know, dear. I know what it means. 
It isn't right — it isn't possible — that you should give 
your life to me. I was mad to dream of it. 

Muriel. It was all my fault. And now — it comes 
to you. 



Act II.] SECOND IK COMMAND. 79 

Bingham. No, no ! It was I who was cruel. 
But — Muriel — it was a blindness, somehow, as if the 
sun had got into my eyes, and I could only see and 
feel for myself. And all you want to tell me — there, 
let me take your hand — you look white and scared^ 
is that — everything's over. 

Muriel, [ivithdraws her hand) Yes. 

Bingham. Well, then, it's over. 

{Shouting heard in distance for a few seconds — stops 
at hell. Muriel rises, places her hand on Bingham's 
shoulder.) 

It was almost bound to happen. I saw a magpie to- 
day. 

Muriel, {meehanically) A magpie ? 

Bingham. Yes. Don't bother about it, it's 
nothing. Only they say it means bad luck. 

(Shouting repeated, " Whereas the Major ? " etc. A 

man heard running until Barker speaks off.) 

Barker, (off l.) Major ! Major Bingham ! 

(Enter Barker.) 

I say, Major, all the men are shouting on you for a 
song. 

Bingham. Are they ? 

Barker. Yes, yelling. So come along. 

(Shouting stops.) 

Bingham. I couldn't, Barker. I couldn't possi- 
bly. I'm not in tune to-night. 

Barker. Oh, that's all right. As a matter of 



80 SECOND m COMMAND. [Act II. 

fact, vocally you very seldom are. You must sing, 
mustn't he. Miss Mannering ? 

Muriel. No, no, don't ask him to. He doesn't 
want to. 
Bingham. There you are. I don't want to. 
Barker, {goes to down l.) But he must, you 
know. The men will mutiny if he doesn't, {comes 
c.) He sings beautifully. All sorts of cheery songs 
— " The Heart bowed down," " When other lips," and 
so on. The Tommies simply worship him. Besides, 
Major, you promised, {goes up l. c.) 
Bingham. Did I ? 

Barker. Of course you did, so come along, {up 
to L. of ivindoiv) 

Bingham. Then perhaps I'd better. 
Muriel, {comes to him— aside) It will make 
things seem as if — as if nothing had happened. 

Bingham. Would it ? Yes, perhaps it would. 
All right. Barker, I'll sing, {goes to r. of window) 

Bingham, {to Muriel) I'd rather you didn't 
listen. 

Muriel. No, I'll stay here. 
Bingham. Thank you. I don't sing really well, 
you know. I — I get out of tune. Come along then. 
Barker, {holds Barker hy the arm,s) But I will not 
sing " The Heart bowed down." 
Barker, (r. c.) All right. Anything you Hke. 
Bingham, (l. c.) I'll sing something cheerful, 
something that goes with a swing. I — no, no. Barker^ 
I can't— I^really can't, {goes to table ly seat l. c. 



Act 11.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 81 

ficks up cigar cutter and examines it to conceal his 
emotion) You don't know what you're asking. 

Barker, {putting cap on) Oh, rot ! Come along! 

Bingham. Well, if I must — I must. But I insist 
on singing something rousing — something jolly. 

Barker. Yes, of course, anything you 

(Exeunt Bingham and Barker off l. c.) 

Muriel, {pause, she comes up to c.) Poor Kit ! 
{goes to fireplace) Poor Kit ! 

{Shouting very loud, " Here's the Major, "" etc.) 
{Enter Colonel Anstruther up r.) 

Anstruther. Still here. Miss Mannering. 
Muriel. Yes ; I've been thinking. 
Anstruther. Wouldn't you rather be with the 
others ? 

Muriel. No, I'd rather wait here. 

{Shouting stops.) 

Anstruther. I'm afraid it's my fault — that vour 
evening— — 

Muriel. No, no — don't say that — it isn't your 

fault 

{Song starts, " Love's Old Siveet Song.'') 

Anstruther. I wish you'd — I don't know how to 
say it. I was never good at finding the right words, 
but you're in trouble. Won't you at least make a 
friend of me ? 

Muriel. Don't — don't be kind to me. I can't 
bear it. 



82 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

Anstruther. I only want to help you. Some- 
how I feel that the trouble lies in the words you said 
to me : " I am not free." 

Muriel. I — I thought it was true. 

Anstruther. Thought ! Why, then, surely that 
means 

Muriel. Ah, don't. I — I never meant to say it. 

Anstruther. No, but a lover's ears are keen — 
Muriel, everything is whispering to me that we are 
being drawn to each other. 

(Muriel makes a movement of anguish.) 

I don't ask you to tell me anything, but somehow I 
know. When first I spoke to you to-night, you 
thought — you believed — you weren't free. 

Muriel. Yes. 

Anstruther. And now- 

Muriel. Now — (turns slotvly to him) if 



Anstruther. If ! (taking her in his arms) 
Muriel, my darling, [kisses her hair) And it honestly 
means happiness to you as well as to me ? 

PvIuRiEL. Yes, a great happiness, the happiness 
I've prayed for, the happiness I've pictured with 
closed eyes for fear the sight of the outer world would 
drive it away. 

Anstruther. My — my wife, (kisses her, his arm 
round, her vjaist.) 

(They go up. Singing swells.) 

Muriel, (stops in windotv) Listen. The men 
are singing " Love's Old Sweet Song." 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 83 

Anstruther. Perhaps they've guessed our secret. 
{kisses her hands) 

{They move up again.) 

Muriel. Here comes Walter across the lawn. 
Shall we tell him ? 

Anstruther. Yes, why not ? {goes doivn l. a 
little) 

Muriel. Yes, we'll tell him. {comes to Colonel) 
Oh, Miles, there's one thing 1 — I want to ask you. 
If Walter were ever in great trouble, you'd help him, 
wouldn't you ? 

Anstruther. {surprised) Why — of course, dar- 
ling, {recovered, takes her hands) But to-night w^e 
won't talk of trouble, only of the great happiness that 
has come to us. 

{Singing swells.) 

{Enter Mannering, l. c. Muriel goes to desk l.) 

Mannering. {down r. c.) I don't know whether 
you know it, Muriel, but every on3's asking where 
you are. 

Muriel, (c.) Well, dear — here 1 am. 

Mannering. Why don't you Hsten to the songs ? 

Anstruther. (l. c.) To tell you the truth, w^e've 
had a duet in here. 

Mannering. A duet ? 

Anstruther. Yes, a love duet. And it w^ent 
admirably, didn't it, Muriel ? 

Muriel. Walter — can't you guess ? 



84 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act IT. 

Mannering. Why — surely, surely, you don't 
mean that 

Anstruther. Why, what else could it mean, my 
brother-in-law elect ? 

{Singing ceases, loud applause and cheering heard, 
"^ Bravo I Encore ! Major ! '" etc.) 

Mannering. Your brother-in-law ? Muriel 

Muriel. Yes ! 

Mannering. It isn't possible, {goes to down r.) 
No, no— I won't believe it. {turns to them) Muriel, 
I told you to-night 

Muriel. Walter ! {goes to Anstruther) 

Anstruther. You've an odd way of congratulat- 
ing us ! 

{Stop applause.) 

Mannering. I didn't mean that. It's all so 
sudden — so utterly unexpected. You don't give 
one time to think. 

Anstruther. {takes her hand) We didn't give 
each other time to think. It just happened, {goes up 
to fire) 

Muriel, {crosses to Walter, watching Anstruther 
as he goes up, and then speaks with deep meaning) 
And now you're to ivish us joy. 

Mannering. Yes, I — I do that, of course. 

Anstruther. One would think we had told you 
some appalling news. 

Muriel, {going to Anstruther) No, no, he's 
surprised, that's all. 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 85 

{Enter Major Bingham, l. c, he goes to top end of 
fiano.) 

Bingham. I've done it. I've been singing. 

Anstruther. Capital, Kit. What did you give 
them? 

(Muriel looks compassionately at Bingham.) 

Bingham, {takes up photo frame) I sang " Love's 
Old Sweet Song." I'd rather have sung, " Let me 
like a Soldier fall," but it's a little unsoldierly to start 
off with a request to be allowed to fall. 

Anstruther. Kit, your spirits are irrepressible. 

Bingham. Are they ? Do I convey the idea of 
being cheery ? 

(Muriel goes up to Bingham. Anstruther goes 
to desk, places his cheque-hook under the blotting-pad.) 

Muriel. {upR. c.) You convey the idea of being 
as good as gold. 

{Exit off L. c.) 

Anstruther. {coming to Bingham, places his 
hands on his shoulders) As good as gold, {in a lotv 
voice) Has he got your cheque ? 

Bingham, {also in a low voice) No, not yet. I've 
written it out, but I haven't had a chance to give it 
to him. 

Anstruther. {as before) You might give it now. 
I'll get out of the way. 

Bingham, {as before) Yes. 

{Exit Anstruther off l. c.) 



86 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

Mannering. Oh, it's horrible — awful ! 

Bingham. What's horrible, eh ? 

Mannering. Binks ! I thought you'd gone. 

Bingham. But you're right. Getting up to the 
neck in debt is horrible. What the devil d'you mean 
by it ? {moves chair from. l. of piano chair R. to 
above it) 

Mannering. That's my business. Major. 

Bingham. Is it ? I should have thought it was 
your creditors'. 

Mannering. Well ! Are you a creditor ? 

Bingham. No, but I hope to be. 

Mannering. Really ? In what capacity ? 

Bingham. I want to lend you money. 

Mannering. You — want to lend me — money ? 

Bingham. Yes, surprising, isn't it ? 

Mannering. I'm afraid your sense of humour 

(looks aivay to r.) 

Bingham. Humour ! D'you imagine I'm trying 
to be funny ? Good heavens, man, if you only knew. 
Now, look here, d'you see this cheque. Take it, man. 
Look at it ! It won't bite you. 

Mannering. {looks at Bingham, then at cheque) 
What ! Three thousand pounds payable to me ! 

Bingham. Is it enough ? 

Mannering. It would be, of course — if it were 
genuine, and if I could take it. 

Bingham. Genuine ! Of course it's genuine. 
I'm not an Exeter Hall stockbroker. You've got to 
take it. For the credit of the regiment. We can't 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 87 

let you go a mucker. I charge two per cent. — perhaps 
three. I can't let you have it for nothing. It's not 
a bit of good your asking. 

Mannering. But, Major, you always said you 
hadn't a sou ? 

Bingham. Oh ! Oh, yes, I know. But Aunt 
Geraldine died last week, poor soul, (fidgets with 
cheque) 

Mannering. What ? 

Bingham. Yes, sad case, dropsy — she became 
enormous. It was a great blow, but a happy release. 

Mannering. But w^eren't you at the Gunner's 
Ball last night ? 

Bingham. Oh ? I at the Gun — oh, yes — I was. 
You see she was a distant aunt, (a step to c.) twice 
removed — once by marriage (a step to l. c.) once by 
divorce. Walter, old fellow, take the money, and 
don't argue. I can't go on like this. I can't keep it 
up — I'm out of sorts, out of spirits and — wretched. 

Mannering. And you really mean it for me ? 

(Song and chorus heard in distance, " Say au revoir.'') 

Bingham. Yes, honour bright. 

Mannering. Then I haven't any words to thank 
you with. It's an act of generosity — of charity, that 
I can't conceive. It staggers me. 

Bingham. Don't you worry. You get out of debt. 

Mannering. I'm ashamed to accept it. But it 
means so much — not only to me, but to Muriel 

Bingham. To her ? 



88 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Aor II. 

Mannering. Yes, I can't explain, but it's true. 
And I take it, Major, more for her sake than for mine. 
But how to thank you 

Bingham. It's all right, Walter, don't try. 

Mannering. Binks ! (offers his hand) 

Bingham, {shakes hands) Jolly night, isn't it ? 
(goes Uf and stirs fire) 

[Enter Medenham ivith tray, eomes to up l. c.) 

Ah ! just in time. The strain is too great. But 
Providence provides a lubricant for the wheel of 
destiny. 

(Enter Anstruther through window up l.) 
Anstruther. Ah ! that's all right. I came to see 
that you'd got everything. Let's see. Yes, cigars, 
cigarettes, whisky and soda. All right, Medenham, 
you can go. Got all you want, Walter ? 

(Exit Medenham, r.) 

Mannering. Yes, thank you, sir. (goes down to 
L. with glass of whisky and soda) 

Anstruther. Now then, I'm going to give you a 
toast. Something (pours out) very wonderful has 
happened to-night, and we're going to pour out a 
libation at the altar of Hymen. 

Bingham, (crosses to r.) Did you say Hymen ? 

Anstruther. (holds up his glass) Yes ; here's 
to the future Mrs. Anstruther. 

(Singing ceases.) 

Mannering. (anxiously) One moment, Colonel. 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 89 

{goes up to table l. c, places his glass on it) May — may 
I speak to you ? 

Anstruther. Yes, of course, what is it ? 

Mannering. There's something I must tell you — 
no, please, Major, don't go. It concerns you as well; 
and you ought to hear. I — I was — it's difficult. 
{goes down l.) 

Anstruther. Walter, what — what are you driving 
at? 

Mannering. Till a moment ago, sir, I believed I 
should have to send in my papers to-morrow and give 
up soldiering. It was on account of money matters. 
To-night I must have been mad — I told Muriel that 
my only chance of salvation lay in her marriage with 

a rich man. And I {faces up l.) I'll make a 

clean breast of it — I was cad enough to suggest it to 
her. Then I saw what an awful — brutal thing I'd done, 
and I begged her to forget that I had ever dreamt of 
it Conceive my horror when you told me the very 
thing I dreaded had come about. 

Anstruther. I can hardly beUeve that you reahze 
what you're saying now, 

Mannering. It's true, sir. {tur7is away) I know 
how vilely I've behaved. I know I'll have to ex- 
change, that I'm not fit to serve in your own regiment. 

Anstruther. It's not a question of that, {places 
glass on tray) It's what you say about your sister. 
{down L. c.) You mean that she, simply for your 
ends, was ready to become my wife. Is that what 
you ask me to believe ? 



90 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

Mannering. Yes, indeed, sir, it's true. 
(Bingham turns to down r.) 

And I'm only speaking now to save what might be a 
Hfe of wretchedness for both of you. When I first 
spoke to her of it, she was horrified. She said the 
bare idea was horrible — revolting. 

Anstruther. She used the words horrible — 
revolting ? 

Mannering. Yes, sir. Those were her very 
words. 

Anstruther. And, with me, she was only acting 
a part ? 

Mannering. Yes, sir. Ah ! don't you see. You 
don't know what she'd do or sacrifice for me, utterly 
worthless as I am. And now, thanks to an act of 
generosity that nothing on earth can ever repay — 

(Bingham moves a step and hack uneasily.) 

the very reason of her sacrifice has ceased to exist. 

Anstruther. I don't understand you. 

Mannering. Major Bingham has lent me money. 
More even than is necessary. 

Bingham, {turns to them) Look here, I really 
can't go on posing like this. The very money you 
speak of 

Anstruther. Shows, Kit, that you have the 
credit of the regiment at heart, and I'm glad to hear 
of what you've done. 

Bingham. But, Colonel 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 91 

Anstruther. Kit ! But even now, Fm not sure 
I'm justified in accepting all you've told me. 

Mannering {a step to c.) It's the truth, sir. She 
had bound herself to our mother to — to look to me, 
to my welfare, and — I — I — can't go on. I can't tell 
you more, (turns to l., faces up stage) 

Bingham. In a way, you know, I can. 

Anstruther. You ? 

Bingham. Yes ; I gave a promise not to speak of 
a certain arrangement that she and I had come to. 
But now, if it helps you to arrive at a conclusion, 
and above all, if it saves her from unhappiness, then 
I think I ought to speak. 

Anstruther. Well ? 

Bingham. Tilh to-night. Colonel, Miss Mannering 
and I were engaged. 

Anstruther. What ? 

Mannering. Muriel told me so herself. Of course 
I'd no idea of that when I suggested — what I did. 

Bingham. It happened a week ago, but to-night 
she broke it off. I couldn't understand it at the 
time, but now I begin to see. 

Anstruther. I remember now, she said she 
wasn't free. Not free ! That means you — you. 
And she honestly loves you 



? 



(Bingham flinches.) 
Mannering. She told me so herself, only to-night. 
(Anstruther motions Mannering to he silent, then 



92 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II. 

he (joes to Bingham, places his hand on his shoul- 
der.) 

Anstruther. You're quite sure of that ? 

Bingham. Eh, what ? What are you talking 
about ? 

Anstruther. Kit, I know you're trying to let 
me. down gently, {removes his hand) But all's fair 
in love and war, and if I've lost— well, I've lost. 
{hand on shoulder) She really loves you ? 

Bingham. All's fair — oh ! you asked me that ? 
Yes. Oh, yes, you see — she even told Walter. 
{looks at Anstruther) The thing is, what's to be 
done ? {turns away to r.) 

Anstruther. I'll arrange it somehow. It's Hke 
a bird being caught in a net ; the wings must be set 
free gently. One thing is certain, {to both) She 
must be spared the knowledge of what has passed 
between us. That she must never know. 

Bingham. Yes ! But how ? 

Anstruther. I can't tell you yet, but before we 
sail she'll be free, {going up c.) A story of entangle- 
ment with some other woman would do ; I'll break 
it off somehow, {at fireplace) That you must leave 
to me. 

{Enter Muriel, l. c. When she enters, Anstruther 
turns round to her. Mannering stands up. Bing- 
ham, peaces his glass on piano, then stands facing 
to R.) 

Muriel. The concert's nearly over. Lady Har- 



Act II.] SECON'D IN COMMAND. 93 

burgh and the others are coming up. How solemn 
you all look ! I believe you're glad we're going and 
longing to smoke pipes. I feel as if I'd come out of 
summer into mid -winter. 

Bingham. Yes, it's a draughty room. And the 
fire is almost out. 

(Ohorus singing " W7ap me up in my old stable 
jacket " ill distance.) 

Muriel, {to Anstruther) Miles — surely — surely 
Major Bingham doesn't know. 

Anstruther. Yes, he's found it out. 

Muriel. Who told him ? 

Anstruther. I did. 

Muriel. Miles, how could you ? 

Anstruther. Why shouldn't he know ? 

Muriel. Because — I'll tell you later, {looks at 
Mannering) I must speak to him. Major Bingham . 
{in low voice) Kit, I wanted to break 

Bingham. Eh? What! Oh, that's all right. 
Awfully jolly evening, isn't it ? {goes up R. of piano 
to R. c. above it.) 

{Chatter heard off l. Enter Lady Harburgh, fol- 
lowed by NoRAH, Hildebrand and Barker. Man- 
nering crosses to r. and exits.) 

Lady Harburgh. (by Anstruther up l. c.) 
My dear Colonel Anstruther, you've given us the 
most delightful evening, so idyllic, so pastoral. 

NoRAH. {seated l. of piano) It's been perfectly 
heavenly. Oh ! Muriel, who wouldn't be a soldier ? 



94 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act II, 

HiLDEBRAND. (up L. c. back of settee) I, for one . 

(Barker hij Norah.) 

NoRAH. No, you never would. Look at yourself. 
HiLDEBRAND. I am looking at Mr. Barker. 

(Barker retires to up r.) 

Anstruther. I'm glad you enjoyed the camp fire. 

Lady Harburgh. Ah ! but you missed Major 
Bingham's song. And he sang it so originally. I'd 
never heard " Love's old sweet song " given humor- 
ously before. 

Bingham, {comes c.) Did it sound funny ? 

Lady Harburgh. Oh, immensely ! But you 
ought to insist on the man at the piano changing 
key when you do. 

(Bingham goes ^o r.) 
Now, come along, children. I won't keep the horses 
waiting. So good-night, Colonel Anstruther. 

Anstruther. Good-night. 

Lady Harburgh. You'll see us to the carriage, 
won't you, Major Bingham ? 

Bingham. Pleasure, pleasure. 

Lady Harburgh. It's been a perfectly charming 
experience. 

Bingham. Yes, awfully jolly evening, isn't it ? 

(Lady Harburgh, Hildebrand, Barker, 

Norah and Bingham exeunt.) 

Muriel, (comes to l.) Good-night, Miles. 

Anstruther. Good-night, good-bye. 



Act II.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 95 

(.4 bugle sounds " Lights out.'') 

Muriel. What is that ? 

Anstruther. It's hghts out. The last call of 
the day. 

Muriel. The last call. How sad it sounds. 
Anstruther. Yes, everything has an end. 
Muriel. Not everything, Miles. 
Anstruther. No ? 

[Enter Major Bingham. Seeing them he goes a 
little R., and stands with his back to them.) 

Bingham. Lady Harburgh says they're all wait- 
ing. 

Muriel. I'm coming, {gives ivrap to Anstru- 
ther ; he places it round her) Good-night, Miles. 
(looks up in his face, tvaiting to be kissed) 

Anstruther. (extends his hand, coldly) Good- 
bye. 

Bingham. The horses have been standing half 
an hour. 

Muriel. I'm coming, (goes up c.) Good-night, 
Kit. 

Bingham. Good -night. 

(Muriel gives her hand to Bingham ; he turns and 
takes it as if to kiss her, then ends quietly saying 
" Good-night.'') 

(Muriel goes slowly out to l. c.) 

{Bugle repeats " Lights out.") 

Slow curtain 07i second part of bugle. 



ACT III 

Piles of packing-cases outside each window. 

Large case c, small case l. of it, small case above it. 

One case laid on top of another to make them rock, r. c. 

Packing-case l. c, two cases and two wooden chairs up c. 

Two tables down l., chair r. of each. 

Straw littered about stage ; carpet up. 

Hammer and nails — hammer left on box in c. by Medenham, 

and taken away by Hartopp after entering with beer, 

sandwiches, etc. 
Bugler and bugle for calls. 
Letter from Lady Harburgh for Bingham on box l. c, 

handed to Bingham by Hartopp. 
Tray, sand^viches, beer, etc., including drinking glasses for 

two. 
Norah's three parcels — alarm clock in box, to have lever for 

bell ; soldier's pocket-book ; pocket medicine chest. 
Telegram for Anstruther's entry. 
Chains for artillery horses. 
Letter (sealed) Bingham to hand to Muriel. 




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ACT III. 

Scene. — Ante-room of Officers' Mess, dismantled. 
Troopers in kkarki uniform and helmets are seen 
at intervals without, engaged itihaggage fatigue, etc. 

{As curtain rises, Hartopp seated on case c, also 
Medenham, hammering nails into a ^packing-case.) 

Medenham. {rises) Thank 'Eaven, that's the 
last bloomin' nail driven 'ome. 

Hartopp. Whew ! It's 'ot ! 

Medenham. It's 'otter where we're bound for. 
An' no four half to keep the barometer down. 

Hartopp. No, nor yet a bloomin' female to be 
seen for a 'undred miles at a stretch. 

Medenham. So ye'll 'ave to giv3 your morals a 
chance, whether ye like it or no:. 

Hartopp. We'll have the Chaplain startin' a 
flirtation with our religious emotions. 

Medenham. 'Ere ! Where's that scrimshankin' 
fatigue party ? 

Hartopp. I don't know. 

Medenham. Hi ! Corporal ! 

Hartopp. They're a lazy set o' swabs ! The 
*' Turn Out " '11 go in half an hour's time. 



100 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

Medenham. 'Ere ye are ! 

{Enter Corporal and tivo Troopers.) 

Corporal. All this tack ready ? 

Medenham. Yes, take it away for the love of yer 
bloomin' country. 

Corporal, {down r. c.) What, all of it ? 

Hartopp. (c.) Only the tack marked South 
Africa ; the rest stops behind to be stored. You 
don't want fenders and carpets in action. 

Corporal. Who said yer did ! {to the Men wp 
stage) Get on to it, lads, {to Hartopp) I'm about 
fed up with this baggage fatigue ; I've been at it six 
hours. 

Hartopp. Don't you like it ? 

Corporal. Yes, just about as much as you do ; 
here, have you a bottle of beer handy ? 

Hartopp. Yes, I have. 

Corporal. Then fetch it here ; there's a bloomin* 
drought in my throat. 

Hartopp. I wish I could, Corporal ; but I'm a 
selfish man I am, and I'm keeping it for myself. 

{Bugle heard in distance " Fatigue Call " d. t. 
hell) 

Corporal. Well, that's won it. You're a bloomin' 
fine comrade soldier, you are ! Now then, lads, off 
ye get, and heave the tack on the squadron cart. 

{Exeunt Corporal and Men.) 

Hartopp. Just see if them sandwiches is ready 



Act in.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 101 

for the Colonel and the Major. They've 'ad nothing 
since breakfast. 
Medenham. Right ! 

(Tivo Officers cross from r. to l.) 
Hartopp. And ye'll find a dozen of beer below 
stairs, 'idden under a blanket. Ye can trust Tommy 
Atkins when 'e's on fatigue. 
Medenham. Right you are. 
(Exit.) 

Hartopp. {sings) 

Oh, it's Tommy, Tommy Atkins, 
You're a good 'un 'eart and 'and, 
Ye're a credit to yer country 
And to all yer 

{Enter Major Bingham up n.) 
Beg pardon {draws left arm across forehead), sir, this 
note came for you, sir. {gets it from l. c. on box) 

Bingham. Thank you ; get some sandwiches — 
enough for two. The Colonel's coming. 

Hartopp. Yes, sir. 

{Exit.) 

Bingham, {opening letter) From Lady Harburgh? 
Ah ! I thought so. " The girls and I are coming to 
see you off, to say good-bye." I call that rubbing it 
in. A sort of valedictory message with a liniment 
of tears, {tears up letter) 

{Enter Colonel Anstruther, l. o.) 

Anstruther. Anything to eat. Kit ? {dounL.c.) 



102 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III 

Bingham, {up r. c.) It's coming, sir. 

Anstruther. Have you heard about young Car- 
stairs ? {takes off helmet) 

Bingham. No ! 

Anstruther. He's enlisted in the Imperial Yeo- 
manry, {places helmet and gloves on loiver end of 
box c.) 

{Enter down r. Medenham with tray, sandwiches, 
beer, etc., which he places on up stage end of box c, 
<ind takes away hammer that Hartopp has left.) 

Bingham. What ! 

Anstruther. Yes ; in the contingent they've 
raised locally. They marched in here this morning : 
I saw him. 

Bingham. What ! In barracks ! 

{He sits on box r. c. above box c.) 

Trooper the Honourable Hildebrand Carstairs. 'Pon 
my word, Colonel, our upper classes are crowding out 
the lower ones even at their own jobs. Army, navy, 
stage, trade — ^why, I believe when they go to gaol 
they insist on such cells as have a southern exposure. 
(both drink, then take up sandwiches) Miles, if you 
don't mind my asking, what has happened about — 
Miss Mannering ? 

Anstruther. {places sandwich on tray) I've 
written a letter, {throws sandtvich on plate) She'll 
get it after we've gone. I've made it as easy for her 
as possible, and put it as if she had no choice but to 
throw me over. And I've told, indeed, ordered 



Act III.] SECOND IN COMMAND. • 103 

young Mannering to tell her that I'm a man who 
loves one day and rides off the next. 

Bingham. But haven't you seen her since that 
night ? 

Anstruther. (takes up glass) No, she wrote 
and asked me to, but I pleaded pressure of work. 
She must have guessed that something's wrong. 
[drinks) 

Bingham, {places sandtviches on plate) There's 
always the off chance, you know, that she does really 
love you. 

Anstruther. {places glass doum) No, it was all 
for him, for Walter. She was acting a part with me. 
Besides, my dear Kit, you were everything to her 
till I and my guineas came upon the scene. 

Bingham. Yes, but you've only my word for 
that, {rises) 

Anstruther. That's enough for me. {picks up 
straw) But Walter told me so as well. 

Bingham, {^puts on gloves) Suppose T were only 
an ordinary vulgar liar, that I couldn't bear to lose 
her, that I knew she didn't care for me, that I wil- 
fully threw dust in your eyes — what then ? 

Anstruther. Nothing. I shouldn't bel'^ve it, 
Kit. If we're nothing else, at least we're men of 
honour. 

Bingham. I suppose we are — theoretically. 

Anstruther. No, Kit, my dear boy. I lay 
awake all night after she'd gone and tried the case 
as if before a jury of average intelligence. The in- 



104 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

dictment charged her on two counts. First, self- 
sacrifice ; second, love. The jury found her guilty 
of the first, not guilty of the second. I fell asleep at 
5 a.m., and was up on parade at 6.30. A summer 
morning, and yet I never felt the air so chilly in my 
life. 

Bingham. Miles, it's bad luck, (takes off gloves 
again) 

Anstruther. (throws straiv away) It's more than 
that, (takes up glass) It's the awful want of in- 
terest in one's ordinary life, in work and duty ; the 
utter blankness of it all. It's the sudden closing of 
a book that holds the only secret in life, (places 
glass on box) 

Bingham. Don't I laiow it. I've been trying to 
read that book for years. 

Anstruther. [rises, comes to Bingham) Kit, all 
this gives you another innings. 

Bingham. Eh ? 

Anstruther. Don't you soe ? 

BiNviHAM. No, no ! She'd never come back to 
me. She'd be ashamed to, and I to ask her. So 
last night in packing up I took my poor battered old 
hearfc, laid it in lavender of memory, folded it in 
brown paper of experience, and locked it away in 
the archives of the " might have been." Nothing 
matters now. 

Anstruther. No ? Not even going on service 
with the finest regiment a man could command. 

Bingham. It dwarfs things, doesn't it ? Love is 



Act in. ] SECOND IN COMMAND. 105 

SO ridiculously primitive, a sort of prehistoric peep. 
Miles, there's only one plan of action I can recom- 
mend. Forget it all. 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Bingham. Love's a fever, and work the only 
possible quinine. Think only of the fighting that's 
ahead of us. 

Anstruther. Right ! 

Bingham. And nothing else ! 

Anstruther. Nothing else ! 

Bingham. She's coming to say good-bye. 

Anstruther. What, here ? 

Bingham. Yes, dear, good woman ! Oh, it's 
awful, isn't it ? 

Anstruther. Kit, we're scarcely forgetting. 
(goes up to fireplace) 

Bingham. No ; I'm not sure that after all there 
isn't a sort of maddening comfort in remembering. 
{goes down r.) 

{Enter up R., Nor ah with three parcels.) 

Nor AH. Please, Colonel Anstruther, may I come 
in ? {comes down R. c.) 

Anstruther. Miss Vining. {comes down l. c.) 
Yes, of course. Come to say good-bye ? 

Nor AH. {shakes hands with Anstruther and 
Bingham) Yes ; Aunt Agatha and Muriel are 
trying to find Hildebrand. You know it's all my 
fault. 

Bingham, (r.) What is ? 



106 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

NoRAH. (r. c.) Hildebrand's joining the Yeo- 
manry. 

Anstruther. (l. c.) Is it ? 

NoRAH. Yes, I made him promise to be quite 
teetotal till he got an appointment of some sort. 
Well, the very next morning he left us, saying he 
was off for two days' shooting. And only this morn- 
ing we heard what he'd done. 

Bingham. But he kept his promise ? About not 
drinking ? 

NoRAH. Oh, yes ; Hildebrand's frightfully hon- 
ourable, even in the hottest weather. 

Anstruther. Oh ! Even in the hottest weather. 
(goes up R. to window) I'll send for him. He's pro- 
bably hard at work at the Goose-step ! 

NoRAH. (c.) That would be good of you. Oh, 
please, just before you go, I want to give you this as 
a talisman. 

(Bingham retires a little up n.) 

Anstruther. That's really very kind. What is 
it ? [comes down r. c.) 

NoRAH. An alarm clock. I thought it would be 
useful in camp, for getting up at night with, when 
you expect the enemy. 

Anstruther. My dear Miss Vining, what a bril- 
liant idea ! I'll have it packed at once. It is good 
of you. {goes up to windotv r.) 

{Alarm hell rings off r. Both men laugh.) 
{Exit Anstruther.) 



Act TIL] SECOND IN COMMAND. 107 

NoRAH. Thank you. {goes to l. c.) And this is 
for you, Major Bingham. 

Bingham, {comes c.) Really for me ? Now, what 
is it ? {opens it) 

NoRAH. Yes, it's the soldier's pocket-book. I 
don't know why it's so large. But if you find your- 
self in danger during action, you've only got to turn 
to Chapter Five, and you'll see what to do. 

Bingham. My dear Norah, how awfully good of 
you ; you've probably saved my life, {shakes her 
hands) 

{Enter Hildebrand up R.) 

Norah. Oh, look, {goes up r. to r. c.) Here's 
Hildebrand ; isn't it awful ? 

(Hildebrand pushes her away gently hut firmly.) 

Norah. {up r. c.) Hildebrand ! 

Bingham, (c.) Well, Carstairs. 

Hildebrand. {extends his right hand, saying) 
How d'ye do ? {then salutes again ivith his left hand. 
R., to Norah) Be good enough to remember what I 
am. There is an officer present. 

Bingham. Eh ? Oh, ah, I see. {goes up, gets 
helmet) Would you think it very rude of me if I 
left you two together ? 

Norah. Why, no, of course not. 

Bingham. I'll stay if you Uke. 

Norah. Oh, no, don't, please ! 

Bingham. Then I'm off. {takes her a step up) 



108 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act HI. 

And in case Lady Harburgh doesn't see him again, 
will you kiss him once for his mother ? 

NoRAH. I'll— I'll try. 

Bingham. Then I fancy you'll succeed. 

{Exit off L. c.) 

Nor AH. Oh, Billy, why did you ? 

HiLDEBRAND. I'm an Imperial Yeoman, and I 
did it for you. 

Nor AH T know, oh, why did you ? 

HiLDEBRAND. It's not a thing to be ashamed of. 
I may not look Imperial, but I am ! 

NoRAH. I know, but it — it doesn't fit. 

HiLDEBRAND. The Uniform is baggy, but the 
Royal Arms are on every button. 

NoRAH. Billy, I am proud of you. You'll get 
your Commission, I know you will ! 

HiLDEBRAND. And if I do, you'll really 

NoRAH. Look, here's a keepsake. 

HiLDEBRAND. What is it ? [tJiey go. Sit on 
easy chair R.) 

NoRAH. Open it and see. Yes, it's a pocket medi- 
cine chest ; you'll find something there for almost 
every fever or disease you're likely to get. 

HiLDEBRAND. It's awfully good of you 

Nor AH. Look there 

HiLDEBRAND. " From your own loving Norah ! '* 
JVIy darling ! (they embrace) 

Norah. Billy ! 

HiLDEBRAND. This finishes Barker, eh ? 



Act III.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 109 

NoRAH. Oh, yes, quite, {another embrace) You'll 
be careful to use the right medicines, won't you ? 

HiLDEBRAND. Yes, dcarcst, if there's occasion to. 

NoRAH. A medicine chest won't be much good 
if — if nothing happens. 

HiLDEBRAND. Supposc — suppose Something did 
happen to me ? Would you marry some one else ? 

NoRAH. Only if I thought you wished it. 

HiLDEBRAND. Barker, I suppose ? 
(Returns box to Norah ; gets up. Box tips up, letting 

Norah's end down. Then he sits ivith his hack to 

Norah, which tips her end of box up again.) 

Norah. Oh, but — well — if — having known Mr. 
Barker, you felt that he could fill your — your vacant 
chair. 

HiLDEBRAND. No, thank you. [turns on box, his 
back to audience) Barker sits on me quite enough as 
it is. 

Norah. {turns round to him) Hil — Hilde — Hilde- 
brand ! 

HiLDEBRAND. Noiah ! 

Norah. Billy ! {cries) 

{They embrace, both facing up stage.) 

HiLDEBRAND. I say, you know, don't cry before 
the thing happens. One can't hve backwards like 
that. 

Norah. {rises) Hush ! Here he comes, {goes 
up R. c.) 

HiLDEBRAND. Barker ! {rises) 



110 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

Nor AH. Yes. 

HiLDEBRAND. And I shall have to salute hi7n. 
{goes over to extreme l.) Barker ! / — to salute 
Barker ! 

(Enter Barker w^^ r. Hildebrand salutes, 
facing audience.) 

Barker, [uf r. c.) Miss Vining ! Come to see 
the last of us ? {shakes hands) 

Nor AH. Yes ; we've come to say good-bye. 
Barker. Well, I'm awfully pleased. 

(Hildebrand is still saluting.) 
All right, my lad ; you needn't salute all day. Who 
are you ? What do you belong to ? 

Hildebrand. I'm an Imperial Yeoman, sir. 

(Hildebrand stops saluting, and tries to tighten in his 
tunic.) 

NoRAH. Mr. Barker, it's — it's Hildebrand. 

Barker, [comes down R. c. to c.) What ! Good 
Lord, so it is ! 
{Turns to Nor ah, who has come down R. of him.) 

NoRAH. Be very gentle to him. He's only been 
in the arm y a day and a half, and he finds discipline 
a little irksome. 

Barker, [comes down to Hildebrand, l. c, 
Hildebrand salutes) I heard you'd done this. If 
there's any advice I can give you, let me know ! 

Hildebrand. I am much obliged, sir, but I'm 
an Imperial Yeoman, and prefer to be independent ! 



Act III.] SECOND IK COMMAND. Ill 

Barker. As you please, {goes up l. c.) 

NoRAH. {doum R. c.) Billy, don't be pompous. 
You know you'll be sea-sick. 

HiLDEBRAND. That might happen to a Field 
Marshal. 

Lady Harburgh. {outside) Here, 3^ou say ? 

NoRAH. Aunt Agatha ! {goes up to Barker, 
R. c.) 

{Enter Lady Harburgh up r.) 

Lady Harburgh. At last ! Hildebrand ! What 
have you done ? {eomes down r. c.) 

Kildebrand. {comes c.) It's all right, mother. 
I've only done what any man has a right to do. 

Lady Harburgh. How dare you take this step 
without consulting me ? 

Hildebrand. I couldn't help it, mother ; the 
blood of the Maslachlans has been rousing me lately. 

Lady Harburgh. Have you seen yourself in a 
mirror in this— this fancy costume ? 

Hildebrand. No, mother. 

; {Exemit Norah and Barker off up r.) 

Lady Harburgh. Then I wish you had before 
enlisting. And when, pray, do you start for South 
Africa ? 

Hildebrand. In a fortnight, I beheve ; we're 
attached here for drill. I find it awfully confusing. 
One's feet seem to get in the way, somehow. 

Lady Harburgh. You told me you were off for 
two days' shooting. 



112 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

HiLDEBRAND. So I was — at target. 

Lady Harburgh. And how do you, with your 
experience, propose to conduct yourself in action ? 

HiLDEBRAND. I don't know ; I suppose I'll hack 
and slash about in the usual way. Look here, mother, 
it's all right, it's the only thing I could do. I've 
failed in everything else. I should only have drifted 
into an idle, hopeless, probably dissipated ne'er- 
do-well, and I know soldiering will pull me up. Be- 
sides, they want men that can ride and shoot, and 
that's all I'm good for. Come, be a Spartan mother. 

Lady Harburgh. For the moment I forget the 
characteristics of the Spartan parent, but to-day I 
will have you measured for warm flannel clothing. 

HiLDEBRAND. But wc are going to a tropical 
climate. 

Lady Harburgh. Tropical or not, I am a mother, 
and you will be provided with the thickest flannel 
clothing that the local tradesmen can supply. 

HiLDEBRAND. Thauks ; I am glad the uniform is 
baggy, {goes to r.) 

Lady Harburgh. Hildebrand. {comes to c.) 

HiLDEBRAND. Ycs, mother ? [comes to r. c.) 

Lady Harburgh. I think on the whole I'm proud 
of you. 

HiLDEBRAND. All, that's right ! Mother, you're 

a brick ! 

{Enter up r., Sergeant.) 

Sergeant. Trooper Carstairs ! 
HiLDEBRAND. Yes, Sergeant ? 



Act III.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 113 

Sergeant. You've got to fall in for drill. 
HiLDEBRAND. All right, Sergeant, I'm coming. 

{goes up R.) 

Sergeant. In the riding school. 

HiLDEBRAND. Right ! 

{Exit Sergeant.) 
I must be off, mater. 

Lady Harburgh. {has gone up) I'm coming to 
see you drill. 

HiLDEBRAND. Oh, I say, mother, don't do that ; 
I get so nervous and mixed up with my feet. 

Lady Harburgh. I'm coming to see you drill. 

HiLDEBRAND. Well, if you insist upon it, but 
don't go telling everybody you're my mother. 
{Exeunt off up R.) 
{Enter Mannering from l. c.) 

Mannering. (r. c.) Hartopp ! 

Hartopp. {ivithout) Yes, sir. 

Mannering. Bring my helmet — at the double. 

Hartopp. Yes, sir — coming, sir. 

{Enter Hartopp, r., with helmet.) 

Mannering. What's the time ? 

Hartopp, {goes up — looks off c.) Three o'clock, 
sir. The turn -out will go in about half an hour. 
(comes to Walter and arranges his sword-helt) 

{Enter Muriel r., with an Officer.) 

Muriel. There you are, Walter ! 
{Thanks Officer, who salutes and goes offij.). jp f 

H 



114 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III 

Mannering. Muriel ! All right, Hartopp, that'll 
do. 

{An Officer crosses front l. to r. at back.) 
{Exit Hartopp, l. c.) 

Muriel. 8o the last few minutes have come. 

Mannering. Yes — I thought you were in the 
Barrack Square. I was coming to say good-bye. 

Muriel. Tell me, Walter, you're quite clear of 
all difficulties now ? 

Mannering. Yes, thanks to dear old Binks. 

Muriel. Walter — it seems horribly selfish to 
speak of my own troubles just when you're going — 
but since Miles asl^ed me to be his wife only two days 
ago, I've never seen him nor heard from him. What 
does it mean ? 

Mannering. {turns aivaij) He's been up to the 
eyes in work, {a step to l.) 

Muriel. Yes — but surely — even then 

Mannering. And then he's not too reliable in 
love affairs, {a step to l.) 

Muriel. What ? You mean 

Mannering. I mean he's the sort of man that 
loves and rides away. 

Muriel, (r. c.) Walter ! 

Mannering. (l. c.) There are men like that, 
you know — men who like climbing a cliff to a flower 
that seemis beyond their reach ; but once they've torn 
it from the stem they'll throw it to any passer-by. 

Muriel. I can't — I won't believe it of him. 



Act III.] SECOXD IN COMMAND. 115 

Mannering. It depends on the point of view. 
You first of all refused and then you accepted him. 
You can hardly be surprised if — finding that mean- 
time you had thrown over poor Binks, he shuffles 
the pack again and have a fresh deal. 

Muriel. You should be the last to tell me that. 

Mannering. Muriel, dear, I only said that was 
one point of view ; it isn't mine. D'you think I 
don't know that you meant to be more than a sister 
to me ! But the sacrifice would have made both 
our lives utterly miserable. There ! Don't let us 
be wretched in the last moment left. Things will 
come out all right in the long run. 

Muriel. Yes, I'm sure they will, for I can't 
believe what j^ou've told mie. 

Mannering. Anyhow, I've warned you. {a step 
tip) Muriel, you don't love him ? 

Muriel, You may be quite sure that I could 
never love the man you've described. 

Mannering. Yes, but look here 

Voice, {off b.) Where's Mannering ? 

(Enter Bingham, c.) 

Mannering. Hullo, that's the Acljuta.nt shouting 
for me ; more baggage fatigue, I suppose. You' 11 
come and see us on parade, won't you ? 

Muriel. Yes, Walter, and then we'll say good-by e . 

Mannering. Ah, that's all right. 

{Exit R.) 
Bingham. How d'ye do, Miss Mannering ? I'm 



116 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

awfully sorry, Miss Mannering, intruding like this 
on you and your brother. 

Muriel, {sits on case up c.) No, no, he only 
went because the Adjutant wanted him. 

Bingham, {up r. c.) I see — but {places hat, etc., 
on case doum R.) You mustn't be down on your luck, 
you know. You ought to be as cheery as possible. 
A campaign is such a glorious chance for all of us. 
By Jove ! It's magnificent. When the charge goes, 
and you're well back in the saddle, with legs like a 
vice, with the rattle and roar, the clash and thunder 
and glitter of it all — Oh ! it's splendid ! {goes to l.) 

Muriel. Oh, then, you've seen active service ? 

Bingham. Eh — well — no, I haven't. But I take 
in all the illustrated papers, {foot on chair l., arranges 
puttee) 

Muriel. I'm quite sure of one thing — that you'll 
always be the bravest of soldiers — just as I know 
you to be the soul of honour. 

Bingham. The soul of honour — am I^ — ^that ? 

Muriel. Are you not ? 

Bingham, {foot off chair) Possibly — ^allowing for 
occasional lapses. 

Muriel. Why ? There's nothing you've ever 
done that you're ashamed of ? 

Bingham, {looks at her) Yes, there is, but I 
haven't the pluck to tell you. {turns away) 

Muriel {rises, comes down c. to him) You — 
you've forgiven and forgotten all the pain I caused 
you ? 



Act III.] SECOND IN COMMAND. II7 

Bingham. Oh, it's all right. The very best thing 
in the world is happening — we're off on service. 
And nothing can ever rob me of 'the memory that once, 
for a time, our hands were clasped, and I was the 
happiest man in the whole broad world. 

(Muriel offers her hand. Bingham holds it in both 
hands.) 

That's a story that I'll whisper to the winds and 
trees and stars of South Africa every night. But no 
L>ne else shall know. 

Muriel, {ynoves to r. c.) You see, I never knew 
what love meant till Miles came — ^and then the whole 
world seemed to burst into blossom — — 

Bingham. But — ^but surely it was to help Walter 
— ^you don't — ^you can't mean that 

Muriel, [turns to him) Yes, Kit. I do, Miles is 
all the world to me. 

Bingham. I never knew that. 1 thought — • — 

Muriel. I tried not to let you see it. I knew 
how it would pain you. {goes l.) 

Bingham. And I believed it was all for Walter's 
sake. Muriel ! [she turns) I've a confession to 
make, [he advayices to speak — ^Muriel turns to him) 
The fact is — ^no, I can't speak it — ^I haven't the pluck. 
But I'll write it now, you'll have it before the regiment 
goes, and then — ^well, then — ^you'll forgive me if you 
can. 

Anstruther. [without) What ! In the ante- 
room ? 



118 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

Corporal. {witJiout) Yes, sir. 
Muriel, {goes up r. c.) That's Colonel An- 
struther's voice. Tell him I am here, that I }nust see 
him. Say I must speak to him. 
{Exit off L. c.) 
Bingham. I'll tell him. 

{Enter Colonel Anstruther up r.) 

Are you looking for me, sir ? 

Anstruther. Kit, my boy, I've got bad news 
for you. {hand on Kit's shoulder) 

Bingham. Bad news ? Why — what ? 

Anstruther. I hardly know how to tell you. 

Bingham. That's all right, sir — out with it. 
(backs away a step) I've had lots of training in bad 
luck. 

Anstruther. You're — you're not to go with us. 
(looking at telegrayn) 

Bingham. Not to go ? 

Anstruther. No. 

Bingham. Not to go with the regiment ? 

Anstruther. {reads telegram) The order has 
just come from the Brigade Office. They're sending 
out Carlyon of the 7th on special service, and a Cavalry 
Major has got to take his place at Canterbury, and 
you've been detailed. Heaven and the War Office 
only know why they choose a man who is on the eve 
of sailing. 

Bingham. / know. 

Anstruther. You do ? 



Act in.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 119 

Bingham. Yes, it's because I'm a hopeless duf?er. 
It's — ^it's really true. 

Anstruther. Yes, Kit, here's the order, {offers 
telegram) 

Bingham. I see. Thanks, no, I don't want to 
read it. 

Anstruther. (c.) I know what j^ou're feeling, 
old fellow, {hands on Bingham's shoulder) 

Bingham. Yes. {crosses slowly to r.) Thej^'ve 
scored me off this time. They've got a bull's eye. 
They've kept back the man that they thought of 
least use in the field. 

Anstruther. And they're wrong. 

Bingham', (r.) I'm not so sure. It's the hardest 
thing that's ever happened to me in fifteen years' 
soldiering, ani the firit instance I remember of the 
War Office being probably wise. 

Anstruther. {hand on shoulder) Anyhow, Kit, 
no one feels the loss of your services more deeply than 
I do. I'd have trusted you anywhere, and I know 
that on the field no braver man will carry a sword. 

Bingham. Thanks, Colonel. I'm proud of your 
saying that. But I never was any good. I'd 
probably fire volleys into our own men, or ^-einforce 
the enemy, or do something damned silly. 

Anstruther. But they say three more divisions 
are going out, and you can work it, Kit, with a little 
interest. You can follow us out later on. The 
General said there was a chance of that, {hands on 
shoulders) 



120 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

Bingham. Did he ? 
Anstruther. Yes. 
Bingham. He doesn't know my luck. 

(Anstruther turns u/p l. a step.) 

Bingham. Not going out ! Not going with the 
regiment ! Left — left behind ! What the — why in 
Heaven's name — — 

Anstruther. Kit ! [severely) 

Bingham. I beg pardon, sir — ^I forgot — ^I've some- 
thing to write and there's some one waiting to say 
good-bye to you. 

Anstruther. Where ? 

Bingham. There! {poinds off l.) Not going out! 

(Hartopp enters doivii R., ivith Major's sword.) 

Hartopp. Your sword, sir. [stands in doorway and 
salutes) 

Bingham. Thanks. I — ^i shan't want it. 

Hartopp. Not want it, sir ? 

BiNf lAM. No, I'm not for parade, [waves Har- 
topp aside) 

(Hartopp yets above door.) 

I'm left-^left behind ! 

[Exit down R. Hartopp follows, closincj door.) 

MedenHam. [Jieard off r.) Now then, fetch away 
this baggage — ^go on — at the double. 

[Sounds of a body of men running on stone. Chains 
clinfcing. Colonel goes to door r., showing his 



Act III.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 121 

compassion for Bingham, then turns mid goes up 
R. c. and meets Muriel as she enters.) 

{Enter Muriel, l. c.) 

Muriel, (up c.) Miles ! 

Anstruther. Miss Mannering ! I'd no idea you 
were there till Kit — ^Major Bingham — told me. 
(turns aivay to down r. a little) 

Muriel, (comes to him) Miss — ^what is it — are 
we not to 

Anstruther. No^-l'm not worthy of that. 

Muriel. I— ^I don't miderstand. You've never 
been near me, and every hour I've watched and 
waited. I kept indoors ever since — since that night 
— -and every time 1 heard a step or the clatter of a 
horse I flew to the window — ^but — but — you never 
came. Then I thought you'd send a letter, and as 
the hour for the post drew near, I was in a fever, 
but all for nothing. I daren't leave the house for fear 
I should miss you, and at last — ^to-day — -half afraid 
and half ashamed — I cam3 here. As I passed in 
through the barrack gates, I felt my cheeks flaming. 
It seemed that every one was staring at me, and I 
didn't know where to turn. And then I found 
Walter— —^ 

Anstruther. {not looking at her) I've written 
a letter making everything clear ; but I arranged 
that you shouldn't get it till after we'd gone. 

Muriel. But why. Miles ? 

Anstruther. Because I'm not worthy of you. 



122 SECOND IN COMMAND.' [Act III, 

Because I wanted to spare myself the pain of a last 
meeting. 

Muriel. You mean that you regret — that you 
wish to draw back — that everything's to be over ? 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Muriel. Really ? 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Muriel, {pause) Very — well. 

Anstruther. You must — ^throw me over. 

Muriel. Yes. 

Anstruther. As not fit to be your husband. 

Muriel, {a step down c.) If you say it — ^yes. 

Anstruther. {throws piece of telegram away. 
Com^s to her) The whole thing seems brutal, I know. 
But that night 1 was excited, the orders for active 
service had come, I was mad with delight at the idea 
of going out. I — I'd even — been drinking. And you 
sat beside me, radiant, kind, good, full of sympathy 
and help for all of us. And there came from the 
flowers you were wearing a faint perfume that brought 
to my memory a woman that I used to care for, that 
I even loved. I lived for the moment ; the flowers, 
the wine, your own goodness had played on my 
imagination. 

Muriel, {down c, her hack to him) And the 
perfume I was wearing reminded you of another 
woman. 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Muriel. Wakening some happy memory that had 
been asleep ? 



Act III.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 123 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Muriel, (pause) Was — she — good — and beau- 
tiful — this other woman ? 

Anstruther. It's past and done with. And it 
seems to me it doesn't matter now. {(/oes down R., 
his back to her) 

Muriel. No ; it doesn't matter now. Nothinfy 
does. I only wondered if she loved you. 

Anstruther. What I've said, I've said to let 
you see that I am honestly saving you from a great 
unhappiness. 

Muriel. Yes ; I understand that, (goes to him) 
Is it all true ? 

Anstruther. A man would scarcely brand him- 
self as I've done were it not. 

Muriel. No ; there would be no reason. Some- 
how, I can't keep my head very clear, [comes down- 
I think the strain — and Walter going — and this — 
and then the heat. You'll be glad of the fresh 
{gets L.) sea air. [sits down l.) 

(Colonel turns to boxc, is about to take up helmet, 
stops, then) 

Anstruther. I want to ask you something- 
may 1 ? 

Muriel. Yes ; ask me anything. 

Anstruther. Did you mean to ask me to pay 
your brother's debts ? 

Muriel. Yes. 

Anstruther. And that night, when I forgot 



124 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

myself, were you then engaged to Kit — to Major 
Bingham ? 

Muriel. Yes, it',s all quite true. 

Anstruther. (c.) I'd have given Walter any- 
thing he asked, but it was better that — as luck had 
it — it should come from an old friend. I — I wonder 
will you go back to him ? 

Muriel. To Kit ? 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Muriel. No — I couldn't — it wouldn't be decent. 
That isn't the right w^ord, but I can't think. No, 
I've lived for two days — I couldn't go back to that. 

Anstruther, {eagerly) For two days ? 

Muriel. Yes ; just as you lived for that one short 
hour, lived witli the wine and the perfume, and the 
memory of that " other " woman. You thought 
you saw them all incarnate in me, and then — when 
the fumes passed off — you died. So 1, the woman 
that lived for these two days in a fever of waiting— 
waitino; — ^waiting — so too that woman is dead. 

Anstruther. {coldly) You have reahzed — — 

Muriel, {^rises) I've reahzed that I was bhnd. 
and in love with a phantom, just as once I was with a 
picture, {crosses in front of him to up R. of Colonel 
above him) I don't know why we're waiting here — 
you had no right to come into my life and ask me 
to give you all that a woman has to give, knowing 
that once given you would throw it aside to be trodden 
under foot by any gossip or passer by — to bring this 
story of wine and perfume and memory {goes up) 



Act HI.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 125 

Anstruther. (turns to her) Muriel — is it possible 
that you — — 

Muriel, {wildly) Everything is possible once, 
but now you stand before me, (sadly) a picture de- 
faced, a dream that hasn't come true, (cries a little 
— fiercely) Can't you see what you've done ? I — 
1 — never spoke like this in my life. I don't seem 
to be — even my wretched self, (sobs) 

Anstruther. I will do anything you ask. Gd:1 
knows that's true, Muriel. 

(Buzz of voices heard off r. and l.) 

Muriel. Yes, it's true. For what I ask ot you — 
is nothing. One of us must go. (crosses to l.) I 
can't breathe here, and I daren't go to the others. 
My faee is burning — -burning, (cries) 

(Bugle heard off.) 

Anstruther. (takes hdmet and gloves — comes to 
her) Good-bye. 

Muriel. Good-bye. 

Anstruther. Won't you for the last time 

Muriel, (looks at his hand) No, I couldn't 
touch your hand. 

(Trooper comes from l. at back to c, takes up a case 
and exits l.) 

Anstruther. No, I deserve that, (goes to r.) 
Good-bye. 

Muriel. I've said it once. 
Anstruther. Yes, I forgot. 



126 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act III. 

{Enter Bingham down r., ivith letter. Colonel co7nes 

down to him. They shake.) 
Kit! 
Bingham. Good-bye, sir — good luck, 
[Exit Anstruther.) 
Muriel, here's the letter I told you I'd write. 
Muriel. What letter ? 
Bingham. Read it, and you'll see. 
Voice, (off r.) Company, number. 

[Enter Barker and two Officers.) 
[Bugle sounds.) 

•Barker. Good-bye, Major ; awfully sorry you're 
not coming with us. 

1st Subaltern. But you'll follow us out, sir, 
won't you ? 

Bingham. Yes, yes, I'll try. 

Barker. Of course ! 

[Enter Mannering, l. c.) 
You'll get out, sir. 

Mannering. Muriel — we're of!. 

Muriel. Walter ! 

Mannering. Come to the barrack square, and 
vsee the advance party marching out. 

[Exeunt.) 

Bingham. You'll be good boys, won't you ? Re- 
member you're serving in the finest regiment in the 
world. And be sure you take lots of cover and be 
good to the gees. 



Act III.] SECOND IN" COMMAND. 127 

Chorus. Ratlier, sir ! Right ! Good-bye ! 
Good-bye ! 
Bingham. She's read it ! (tears iip letter. Bus.) 

(When Bingham sinks on box, his face in hands) 

CURTAIN. 
TWO PICTURES. 



ACT IV 

Norah at door on right on rise of curtain, listening. 

Lady Harburgh at left of table in centre rolling bandages. 

Medicine ottles and glasses at right of fable in centre. 

Biscuit barrel on table up right. 

Binks on entry goes to couch with assistance of Norah on left. 

Book {Lover s Leap) on table in centre. 

Binks' left foot in bandages and large slipper. 

Binks' left arm in shng. 

Victoria Cross and pin for Duke of Hull. 

Kettle on fire (steaming) and spirit lamp. 



ACT IV. 

A year elapses hetiveen Acts III a7id IV. 

Scene. — Trafalgar Cottage, Portsmouth. ■ 

(HiLDEBRAND is discovered asleep in armchair, above 
fireplace. Lady Harburgh is discovered rolling 
bandages c, and Norah is listening at door r.) 

NoRAH. What are you doing ? 

Bingham, [tvithout) It's all right, I'm dressing. 

Norah. You mustn't go doing things that you 
can't, you know ; hadn't I better help you ? 

Bingham. No thanks, my man's doing everything. 

Norah. Let me know when you're ready, and 
I'll give you an arm in here. 

Bingham. All right. I'll shout out presently. 

Lady Harburgh. Hildebrand's still asleep. 

Norah. He sleeps all day. Fancy Billy a ser- 
geant ! Just look at him. Sergeant the Honourable 
Hildebrand Carstairs — promoted on the field. 

Lady Harburgh. And still better, recommended 
for a commission. 

Norah. Aunt Agatha, aren't you proud ? 

Lady Harburgh. Yes, dear, I am proud of him. 



132 SECOND IK COMMAND. [Act IV. 

But the blood of the Maclachlans of the Hebrides 
was bound to come out. 

N ORAH. Yes, it came out and stained the veldt. 

Lady Harburgh. Ah ! Poor boy ! I try not 
to think of those awful days when we didn't dare to 
look at the morning or evening papers for fear of 
finding the name we loved. And the terrible night 
when at last we came on it unexpectedly, followed 
by the one word " severely." But that's all over. 
The room looks trim and tidy, doesn't it ? 

NoRAH. Yes ; truly it was an inspiration to rent 
this dear old cottage, and take charge of our own 
beloved wounded the moment they touched the 
shore. 

Lady Harburgh. Has Major Bingham had his 
beef -tea ? 

Norah. Yes, I gave it him half an hour ago. 
D'you know, Aunt, I can't imagine how he got out 
to South Africa. 

Lady Harburgh. General Clayton told me it 
was because, broken-hearted at being left behind, 
he sat on the steps of the War Office for a week, 
till they actually sent him out to get rid of him. 

Norah. And now just a year's gone, and he's 
back by the same hospital ship that brought Billy, 
but both so dreadfully battered. 

Lady Harburgh. Poor fellows ! 

Norah. Both he and Billy were wildly excited 
when Muriel told them the trooper with the regiment 
came in this morning. 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 133 

Lady Harburgh. She's gone down to the quay, 
hasn't she ? {pours out medicine) 

(HiLDEBRAND stretches.) 

NoRAH. Yes ; to meet Walter. He won't be 
able to come here ; both he and Mr. Barker are 
ordered to Colchester at once. 

HiLDEBRAND. {ijmvHs) Where's — w^here's No rah? 

NoRAH. (doivn on his r.) Here I am, Billy dear ! 

HiLDEBRAND. That's all right. 

Lady Harburgh. {comes to r. c. with glass of 
medicine) You've been asleep. 

HiLDEBRAND. I know. Can I have some 
chicken ? 

NoRAH. Billy, you had a whole wing an hour ago. 

HiLDEBRAND. Had I ? I feel almost empty. 

Lady Harburgh. You must wait till five o'clock. 

HiLDEBRAND. Can't I have a mug of beer ? 

NoRAH. Beer ? No ! 

Lady Harburgh. No, certainly not ! There — 
that's all you'll get — your medicine. 

HiLDEBRAND. It's sucli bitter stuff. Tastes like 
materialized morality. 

Lady Harburgh. Down with it ! All of it ! 

HiLDEBRAND. Am I looking better ? 

Lady Harburgh. Yes, dear, I never saw you 
look so like a Maclachlan before. 

HiLDEBRAND. They must have been a seedy 
looking lot. I say, you know, the doctor said I was 
to get out into the sun to-day. 



.134 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act IV. 

Lady Harburgh. Yes, dear, I'm going to take 
you to the garden. I'll go and put my things on 
now. Norah, you'll take care of Major Bingham. 

NoRAH. Yes, aunt. 

{Exit Lady Harburgh.) 

HiLDEBRAND. I say, Norah, quick ! Let's have 
something to eat ! 

Norah. No, Billy, I daren't. 

HiLDEBRAND. I'm horribly hungry. * 

Norah. I know, dear, but 

HiLDEBRAND. It's simply tearing me internally, 
and never forget that it's the little rift within the 
lute and so on. 

Norah. Poor soul ! Well, I know I oughtn'i 
to — but I'll give you a biscuit — one, only one. 

HiLDEBRAND. That's a dear girl ! Give me a 
big one ! 

Norah. There ! {gives him biscuit) 

Bingham, {without) What ho ! I'm ready ! 

Norah. All right, I'm coming, {goes through 
door for a moment) 

HiLDEBRAND. There's awfully little sustenance 
in a biscuit. It seems to get lost. 

(Norah returns with Major Bingham.) 

Bingham. Well, young man ? 

HiLDEBRAND. Well, sir. 

Bingham. Why has he a biscuit ? 

Norah. He oughtn't to, but he would have it. 



AcTlY.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 135 

Bingham. Then I want one. 

Nor AH. No, no ! You're not to have any soKd 
food to-day. The doctor said so. 

Bingham. What had you for kmch ? 

HiLDEBRAND. Chickeu. 

Bingham. Ah ! I thought so ; I sniffed it. I 
want to know why he gets these things, if I don't. 

NoRAH. {places Bingham's legs slowly on cushion 
on couch) You know perfectly. Besides, you're 
to have some jelly in an hour. 

HiLDEBRAND. Am I ? 

NoRAH. {rises) No ! {takes other cushion round 
behind sofa) 

HiLDEBRAND. Why is he to have jelly if I'm not ? 

Bingham. I like that. What about your chicken ? 

HiLDEBRAND. That's past. I'm thinking of the 
future. 

NoRAH. Oh, for goodness sake stop quarrelhng 
about your food. 

HiLDEBRAND. Isu't that hkc her ? For, mark 
you, she had pigeon pie and an apple souffle for 
lunch. 

Bingham. Pigeon pie and a souffle ! Can Hea- 
ven be so near. Tell me, little gourmet, \7hat's the 
time ? 

NoRAH. {looks at clock) Nearly three o'clock. 
{yets a book, " Lover'' s Leap,^^ from table wp c.) 

Bingham. Some of the regiment ought to be here 
soon. 

NoRAH. Yes ; so keep quiet till they come I'm 



136 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act IV. 

going to read to both of you till Aunt Agatha's ready 
{sits c. at head of sofa) 

Bingham. That's capital. 

NoRAH. It'll keep you quiet, anyhow. We're at 
chapter ten. 

Bingham. I forget the name of the story. 

NoRAH. It's The Lover s Leap. 

Bingham. Ah, yes ; of course. 

NoRAH. Are you quite comfortable ? 

Bingham. Quite. 

HiLDEBRAND. I'm not. 

{Beckons to Norah, n^ho brifigs her chair quietly over 
and sits l. of Hildebrand.) 

Bingham. Fire ahead ! 

Norah. Very vv^ell, then. You remember we 
left off where Roderick and Cynthia meet on the 
heather. 

Bingham. Oh, she's always going up there. 

NoRAK. (reading) " She stood gazing into his 
eyes, th^ sunHght turning her soft hair to a golden 
lustre. Scarce knowing what she did her arms crept 
round his neck, [places her arms round Hilde- 
brand's neck) And in a moment as a wild and 
sudden blush leapt to her cheek, she kissed him 
passionately." [kisses Hildebrand) 

Bingham. Is that all ? 

Norah. Oh no ! I lost the place ; that's all. 
Here it is ! " And Roderick, what of him ? A 
great joy shone in his raven eyes — 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 1.37 

(HiLDEBRAND tums his eyes up. Noeah laughs.) 

as gently he gathered her to him, and folded her in 
his arms." 

(NoRAH and Hildebrand embrace. Pause. Bing- 
ham listens — then sits up, looks about, then turns 
and looks to b., sees them, and hides his face in soft 
cushions and laughs quietly. Looks up, then repeats 
bus.) 
Bingham. Just like that, I suppose. 

(Norah and Hildebrand break apart.) 

Go on ! I won't look round again, [lays down 

again) 

Norah. Hildebrand was a little tired, that's all. 

(engrossed in book) 

Hildebrand. Yes, I feel awfully done up. 
Bingham. So do I ! And I want the same 

treatment. 

(Norah stops reading, and pretends to be indignant.) 
So come over here. 

{Ent^r Muriel.) 

Norah. {rises) Oh, here's Muriel, {places book 
on table behind sofa) 

Bingham. Have you seen the regiment ? 

Muriel, {takes off hat) Yes, and they're all 
in the wildest spirits. You'll see some of them 
presently, (places hat on table doum l.) 

Bingham. And you saw Graves, and old Tatters, 
and Walter, and Jellicoe ? 



138 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act IV. 

Muriel. Yes. They're as cheery as possible, 
and all asking for you. 

NoRAH. And Mr. Barker ? 

Muriel. Yes. 

HiLDEBRAND. Why drag in Barker ? What does 
it matter about Barker ? Barker wasn't wounded. 

Muriel. Then I wentto the station with Walter, 
and saw him of? to Colchester, and here I am. {crosses 
in front to r., taking off her coat as she goes, and places 
it on table doivn R.) Billy, your mother's ready. 
She says you're to go to her. 

HiLDEBRAND. [rising) Come on then, Norah. 

NoRAH. Gently — don't make a fuss, (as she 
helps HiLDEBRAND) You're so ridiculously pleased 
at being an invalid. 

HiLDEBRAND. I do hope that the fresh air won't 
give more of an appetite. I've got such a lot already. 
I say, Norah, do I look interesting ? 

Norah. Yes, awfully. 

(HiLDEBRAND a7id NoRAH excunt.) 

Muriel. The Duke of Hull went on board. 

Bingham. Oh ! By Jove ! 

Muriel. And made a little speech. 

Bingham. Did he really ? 

Muriel. Every one was delighted. 

Bingham. I should think so. 

Muriel. They say he's coming here later on- 

Bingham. Here ? 

Muriel. Yes ; by special request. 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 13& 

Bingham. Oh^ but- 

Muriel. To see you two invalids. 

Bingham. It can't be 

Muriel. I dare say it's only a rumour. 

Bingham. Oh, sure to be. 

Muriel. Still, I've an idea he'll come, 

Bingham. Tell me, did you see Colonel Anstru- 
ther? 

Muriel. No ; he was busy in the saloon, signing 
disembarkation returns and all sorts of things. And 
I — I kept out of his way. 

Bingham. I wish you hadn't. D'you know this 
is the first time we've been alone together since I 
came here ? 

Muriel. Is it really ? 

Bingham. Yes, the first time. And I want to 
tell you something. 

Muriel. Kit, not the old 

Bingham. No, no ! Good heavens, no ! That's 
all over. No ! It's this. I've found out from 
little things you've said that you never read my 
letter, my confession. 

Muriel, I didn't want to. 

Bingham. "The gist of it v/as that I had kept you 
two — you and Miles — apart. 

Muriel. You, Kit ? 

Bingham. Yes. It's as true as that the sun 
is shining there on the Isle of Wight. I told a he — 
yes, it's a horrid low word, but we can't get away 
from it ; I led Miles to believe that you loved me 



'?'-. 



140 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act IV. 

I believed you meant to marry him only to save 
Walter. And I kept saying to myself, " All's fair in 
Love and War." Biit now that I've been through 
both I know that, like most proverbs, it's only true 
in exception, not in rule. 

Muriel. But there was " another " woman- 

Bingham. No, no, there wasn't. She was in- 
vented to give you a pretext for throwing him over. 

Muriel. Kit, you don't mean that he — he loves 
me? - 

Bingham. There never was a man who loved a 

woman as he loves you, unless perhaps (turns 

away, twirls moustache) 

Muriel. Yes? 

Bingham. A poor devil they call Binks. 

Muriel. Kit ! {extends her left hand) 

Bingham, {takes her hand in his right) It's all 
right. Don't worry. That book was closed long 
ago. It's on the shelf, and the dust is gathering 
already. But I've lain awake for hours every night 
of the year that has gone, sick with pain— a pain 
that gave me no rest — to think that I, Kit Bingham,- 
could be guilty of the lie I told ! I was mad. It 
was the slip of a moment and then I hadn't the pluck 
to confess. But, Muriel, I told him 

Muriel. You told him ? 

Bingham. Yes, one night on the veldt. It was 
a hot, airless night, and I was parched, I had a touch 
of iever. He woke, saw me tumbling and tossing , 
so he got up, went to the river and fetched me a 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 141 

canteen of cool water. I remember so well, the dusty 
grass, the dry throat, and a great vulture that flapped 
up to the sky with an angry screech as Miles came 
back to the tent. There had been a big fight the 
day before. What a drink it was ! I sucked down 
the muddy water like a vampire. And then, with 
only the moonlight that poured in through the gap 
of the tent as witness, I told him everything. 

Anstruther. (heard off l.) What ! Upstairs ? 
Oh, all right, I'll find it. 

Bingham. Listen ! That's his voice below. 

Muriel. Yes, yes, (rises) I hear ! 

(P12C3S chair up a little, goes to R.of table c. ; places 
ivork doum. 

Bingham. He's coming ! Muriel, quick ! do me 
a favour. Tell him I'm asleep when he comes into 
the room. 

Muriel. Asleep ? 

Bingham. Yes ; I'd give all 1 have in the world 
to hear your reconciliation. 

Muriel. But, Kit 

Bingham. Ah, promise ! I'll only eavesdrop for 
a moment. Hush ! here he is ! I'm a sick man, 
humour me. 

(Enter Colonel Anstruther.) 

Anstruther. Miss Mannering. 
Muriel. Yes, welcome home. 
Anstruther. You mean that — honestly ? 
Muriel. Yes, indeed I mean it. 



142 SECOND IN COMMAND. [ArT IV. 

Anstruther. Then it's worth a year's absence 
to hear it. {aivhward fause, then sees Bingham) 
Why, surely — that's Kit. 

Muriel. Yes, he's getting on splendidly. It's 
only the left foot that gives a little trouble. 

Anstruther. He's asleep. 

Muriel. Well, yes — he " seems " to be. 

Anstruther. Shall I wake him ? 

Muriel. No, you can't do that. 

Anstruther. No, poor soul. I suppose he wants 
all the rest possible. What an ideal hospital you've 
made. 

Muriel. Yes, isn't it nice, {fause) Won't you 
sit down ? 

(Anstruther sits below fire. Muriel above r 
Pause. Muriel looks shyly over to Bingham.) 

Had you a good passage home ? 

Anstruther. Yes, very ; a bit rough in the 
bay. 

Muriel, (pause) And now the regiment goes 
to Colchester. 

Anstruther. Yes — a dull place, they tell me. 

Muriel. Yes ; so I believe. 

Anstruther. Hem ! Hem ! 

Muriel. You must have been through some 
terrible experience during the year that is gone ? 

Anstruther. You mean the war ? {rises, stands 
by fire) 

Muriel. Yes. 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 143 

Anstruther. Ah, yes, indeed. Mercifully, 
physical fatigue and routine, and a life of unceasing 
watchfulness leave little time for thinking, [crosses 
to up c.) Yet now — here — it all seems like a story 
I read long ago, and have already half forgotten. 

Muriel. We must help you to forget it altogether. 

Anstruther. Yes, you can do a great deal in 
that way. {comes to her) 

Muriel. Can I ? 

Anstruther. {kneels mid 'akes her hand) Muriel, 
there's no good beating about the bush. I can't 
do it. With every turn of the screw that sent us 
home over six thousand miles of sea, I've been dream- 
ing of this — this home-3omiig. 

Muriel. Miles ! 

Anstruther. I meant well, Muriel, but I was a 
brute. 

IvIuRiEL. No, no, you weren't. Kit has tol 1 me 
all that happened. 

Anstruther. And everything's forgiven ? 

Muriel, {rises) There is nothing to forgive. 
It was all a misunderstanding, {he kisses her hand) 

Anstruther. {rises) My darling ! 

Muriel. Miles ! I knew somehow that things 
would come right. Miles, look at the sunlight over 
the sea. 

Anstruther. Yes. 

Muriel. But the sunshine here, in this room 

Anstruther. Is far, far stronger. 

Muriel. Yes. 



144 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act TV 

Anstruther. And it's all thanks to Kit. 
Muriel. To Kit ? How ? 

(Anstruther goes and looks over sofa. Muriel goes 
to fire. A^STB.VTKEB returns to above her.) 
Anstruther. Hush ! 
Muriel. Tell me. 

(Bingham bangs the edge of coueh with annoyance.) 

"' Anstruther. We were carrying out a flank 
manoeuvre at Klipberg under heavy fire and gallop- 
hard to gain a kopje on the enemy's left. Sud- 
denly my horse dropped under me hke a rabbit, 
catching my leg under his ribs. I was dead stunned. 
After a time I heard some one galloping up to me — 
it was Kit. He had turned back and ridden through 
a hail of lead. He got me free, threw me across his 
own saddle, and off we tore. As we went, one shot 
struck his foot and two others caught him on the left 
irm. 

Muriel. Miles ! 

Anstruther. Then, as we dashed over the veldt 
panting and jolting for dear life, I heard him murmur, 
" It's for her, for Muriel ; I'm bringing him back to 
her." 

Muriel. He never told me a word of this. 

Anstruther. No ; and he wanted to keep it 
quiet. I was too ill at first to report anything, and 
so it got into neither despatches nor newspaper. It 
happened close on dusk and only two or three men 
saw it. But there's a surprise in store for Kit. 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 145 

Muriel. Is there ? Wait a minute. 

(Crosses to c. Anstruther turns to fire. Muriel 
shakes her finger at Bingham, then goes to above 
Anstruther, r.) 

Then speak low ; tell me. 

Anstruther. [beloiv r.) When I was fit again 
I reported the matter privately to the General, and 
he recommended Kit for the Victoria Cross. 

(Bingham sivells his chest uith pleasure and civtche 
side of couch.) 

Muriel, (above r.) Miles ! How splendid ! I 
knew he'd do something great. It was in him and 
bound to come out. Stone walls do not a prison 
make, nor iron bars a cage. 

Bingham, Don't they ? Just you ask the average 
burglar. 

Anstruther. Hulloa ! He's awake. 

(They come to him tvith their hands enttvined. Muriel 
goes at back of sofa to down L. Anstruther goes to 
head of sofa.) 

Bingham. No, I'm not, I'm only delirious. 

Anstruther. Here ! Wake up ! D n't talk 
rot! 

Bingham. Hallo, old chap ! (sits up) How are 
you? 

(They shake hands.) 

Anstruther. (helps Bingham up) Kit, you 
rogue. You've been awake all the time. 

K 



140 SECOND IN COMMAND. [Act IV 

Bingham, {holding Anstruther's hand) No, 
I've been dreaming. I dreamt that I was at a wed- 
ding, and you were the bridegroom. For a time I 
insisted that I was that official, but we found out 
eventually that I was only the best man. 

Anstruther. Kit ! {shakes hands) 

{Enter Lady Harburgh, Hildebrand and Norah.) 

Lady Harburgh. Colonel Anstruther. How 
dehghtful. But there isn't a moment to spare, even 
to welcome you. The Duke of Hull is coming to see 
the patients. He's in the garden now. There, ^\t 
there, Hildebrand. Norah, tidy his liair. 

Bingham, {hayids cushion to Muriel, ivho places 
it tinder his arm l.) Can't I go away ? I'm such a 
fool at a function. 

Muriel. No, of course you can't. 
{Enter 1st A.D.C.) 

A.D.C. His Royal Highness ! {spoken quietly) 
{Enter Duke of Hull and 2nd A.D.C.) 

Duke. My dear Lady Harburgh, and these, I 
suppose, are your ministering angels. 

Lady Hamburgh. It is very good of your Royal 
Highness to come, {steps up R. c.) 

Duke. On the contrary, it is a very great plea- 
sure. What a charming hospital. Is this your son ? 

Lady Harburgh. Yes, sir. 

Duke. You're getting on well, I hear. 

Hildebrand. Yes, thank you, sir. 

Duke. It is a great pleasure to me to tell you 



Act IV.] SECOND IN COMMAND. 147 

that the King signed your commission this morning. 

HiLDEBRAND. Oh, sir ! 

Duke. And I trust you will long be spared to 
serve your country as gallantly as you have done. 

{HiLDEBRAND (joes up to ivifidow talking with Norah. 
Duke comes to Bingham. Bingham rises ivith the 
assistance of Muriel and Anstruther.) 

Duke. And this is Major Bingham. No, please 
don't move. I won't have you attempt to stand. 

Bingham. But, sir 

Duke. It is my wish. The IJing has sent by 
me a little gift. It's perhaps unusual to give it so 
informally, especially as you can't even wear uniform 
at present, but His Majesty thought that possibly 
bestowing it now might have as an invigorating an 
effect as a great quantity of medicine. So I'm going 
to pin it on your left breast. No, I've already 
told you not to move. There ! {pins medal on 
Bingham.) The Victoria Cross, and the King 
desires me to express his fervent hope that you may 
long be spared to wear it. 

Bingham. I — I can't speak, sir. 

Duke. I quite understand. Good-bye 

(takes Bingham's hand) I shall hope to hear of 
your speedy recovery. 

Bingham. Good-bye, sir. (shakes hands) 

Duke, (goes up r. c. ^9 Lady Harburgh) Good- 
bye, Lady Harburgh. (goes toL. c, botvs to Muriel, 
takes cap and stick from A.D.C., goes to h.) This, I 



148 



SECOND IN COMMAND. 



TAcT IV. 



think, is the way. {going, takes hat, etc., from 
A.D.C.) 

Anstruther. {opening door) Allow me, sir. 

Duke. Good-bye, Colonel, {shakes hands) 

(Exeunt Duke and A.D.C. 's, followed hy Lady Har- 

BURGH, NORAH and HlLDEBRAND.^l 

(Anstruther and Muriel stayid at hack and watch 
Bingham.) 

Bingham. The Victoria Cross ! I wish — I wish 
I wish I were worth it. 

(Anstruther comes down to hack of couch l. c. 
Muriel comes down l. to front, kneels and grasps 
Bingham's hand. Anstruther grasps his other 
hand.) 



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